In a move that reaffirms Bangladesh’s commitment to building a stable and forward-looking red-ball unit, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. The two-match series, set to commence on June 17 in Galle, will also mark the beginning of Bangladesh’s campaign in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
At the heart of this squad announcement lies the BCB’s decision to retain Najmul Hossain Shanto as the Test captain for another year. It’s a clear vote of confidence in a young leader who has steadily grown into the role since taking charge in 2024.
Big names back for Bangladesh as Najmul Hossain Shanto leads the team's first assignment of the new #WTC27 cycle 👊https://t.co/bVTmcTrN51
— ICC (@ICC) June 5, 2025
Najmul Hossain to Lead the Test Side Into a New Era
Najmul’s retention comes as no surprise to close followers of the Bangladesh cricket setup. The 26-year-old left-hander has shown maturity beyond his years, guiding a transitional side through both victories and learning curves. His leadership style — calm, strategic, and team-oriented — has drawn praise from both teammates and pundits alike.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue as vice-captain, providing steady support to Najmul. Together, they form a leadership duo that offers both continuity and clarity — crucial traits as Bangladesh seeks to establish itself as a more competitive force in global Test cricket.
The decision to keep the same leadership structure is strategic. As Bangladesh embarks on a new WTC cycle, stability at the helm could be the difference between mid-table mediocrity and a genuine run at a top-four finish.
Key Returns Strengthen the Core
This squad announcement also brings good news for fans of some familiar faces. Litton Kumer Das, one of the side’s most elegant stroke-makers and first-choice wicketkeeper, makes his return to the red-ball setup after recovering from injury. His presence not only bolsters the batting line-up but also enhances the overall tactical options for the team.
Another significant returnee is fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, whose raw pace and aggression have made him a vital weapon in Bangladesh’s pace attack. Ebadot’s absence since July 2023 due to injury and fitness issues was keenly felt, and his inclusion signals that the team is once again prioritizing its fast-bowling depth — a positive trend in Bangladesh’s evolving Test identity.
Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad and right-arm pacer Nahid Rana have also been recalled, both of whom showed promise in domestic circuits and are being backed to make an impact at the international level.
A Selection Policy Rooted in Merit and Performance
With additions come omissions. The squad sees the exclusion of three players who featured in the recent home Test series against Zimbabwe — spinner Tanvir Islam, pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy. While all three possess undeniable talent, the message from the selectors is clear: performance and adaptability will determine selection.
This merit-based approach aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term vision — rewarding players who perform consistently while keeping the competition for spots intense and healthy.
A Balanced Squad with Tactical Flexibility
The squad chosen reflects a deliberate effort to balance experience with youth, spin with pace, and consistency with innovation. It is a line-up constructed not just for conditions in Sri Lanka but with an eye on broader Test challenges that lie ahead in the WTC cycle.
Veteran campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque bring invaluable experience, having seen Bangladesh through its formative years in Test cricket. Their presence will be vital in steadying the middle order and mentoring the younger players, particularly during pressure situations in unfamiliar overseas conditions.
Meanwhile, the likes of Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan add freshness and depth to the batting unit. Youngsters such as Nahid Rana and Jaker Ali Anik are being groomed for bigger roles, and their selection now gives them the invaluable experience of preparing for a high-stakes international tour.
Full Bangladesh Test Squad for the Sri Lanka Tour
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain)
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Litton Kumer Das
- Mominul Haque Showrab
- Shadman Islam
- Anamul Haque Bijoy
- Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Hasan Murad
- Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
- Syed Khaled Ahmed
This squad will depart for Sri Lanka on June 13, giving the players ample time to acclimate to local conditions ahead of the series opener.
Match Schedule and Venues
- 1st Test: June 17–21 at Galle International Stadium
- 2nd Test: June 25–29 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
These two matches not only kick off Bangladesh’s WTC campaign but also serve as an early litmus test for how well the team has prepared to meet the challenges of the new cycle. Galle’s traditionally spin-friendly pitch and Colombo’s unpredictable bounce offer contrasting challenges — providing a comprehensive test of the squad’s adaptability.
What This Tour Means for Bangladesh Cricket
This series carries greater weight than just two Test matches. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to redefine its ambitions in the longest format. The WTC framework has made every Test match matter — each session, each decision, and each individual performance now has potential long-term consequences.
There’s a sense of optimism surrounding this team. The blend of seasoned professionals and hungry newcomers creates an exciting dynamic. Leadership is stable. Key players are fit and firing. Selection is competitive. And the roadmap appears clearly defined.
If Bangladesh can capitalize on this stability and translate promise into performance, the Sri Lanka tour could very well serve as the launching pad for a successful WTC run — and a deeper, more lasting impact on global Test cricket.
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Milestone Alert! 🎉
— Cricket97 (@cricket97bd) May 19, 2025
Najmul Hossain Shanto becomes only the 12th Bangladeshi to play 50+ T20Is! 🇧🇩👏
A steady rise continues for the left-hander. 🏏🔥#BANvUAE #NajmulHossainShanto pic.twitter.com/mOcdiLJZ2B
Conclusion
The BCB’s squad announcement for the Sri Lanka tour is more than just a routine release — it’s a reflection of a larger strategy taking shape. By backing Najmul Hossain Shanto, reintegrating essential players, and reinforcing the squad with both youth and depth, Bangladesh is signaling its intent to be more than just participants in the World Test Championship — they want to be contenders.
Fans of the Tigers have every reason to be hopeful. The stage is set. The squad is ready. Now it’s time to take the fight to Galle and Colombo, and show the cricketing world what this generation of Bangladesh Test players is truly made of.
