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Najmul Hossain Shanto to Lead Bangladesh Test Team for Sri Lanka Tour as BCB Announces 16-Member Squad
Bangladesh Retains Najmul Hossain Shanto as Test Captain for One More Year
In a strategic move ahead of their upcoming red-ball assignment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the national team in Test cricket for another year. This decision comes alongside the announcement of a 16-member squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025, in Galle.
This tour also serves as Bangladesh’s entry into the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle, adding considerable significance to the campaign.
Key Returns and Squad Adjustments for the Sri Lanka Test Series
Experienced Players Make a Comeback
Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Litton Das, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, who returns to the side after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the Zimbabwe series. His return is expected to bolster the middle order and add stability behind the stumps.
Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, who last played for Bangladesh in July 2023, has also made a much-anticipated comeback. Known for his pace and bounce, Ebadot’s inclusion signals Bangladesh’s intent to strengthen their fast-bowling arsenal in Sri Lankan conditions.
Additionally, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad and right-arm quick Nahid Rana have earned recalls, bringing variety and freshness to the bowling unit.
For more updates on previous Bangladesh Test matches, check out our Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Test series analysis.
Changes from the Zimbabwe Series
The newly announced squad reflects a few strategic exclusions as well. Three players who were part of the recent Test series against Zimbabwe — Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy — have been left out. Their absence makes way for more experienced and in-form options, highlighting the team management’s focus on form and fitness ahead of the demanding Sri Lankan tour.
Leadership Continuity with Mehidy Hasan as Vice-Captain
The BCB also reaffirmed its confidence in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who continues as the vice-captain of the Test side. The Najmul-Mehidy leadership duo had been guiding the team since early 2024 and will now carry forward their partnership into a new WTC cycle.
“The decision to retain Najmul as Test captain and Mehidy as his deputy underlines our commitment to long-term leadership stability in the red-ball format,” BCB said in an official release.
Complete Bangladesh Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour
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Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
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Shadman Islam
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Anamul Haque Bijoy
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Mominul Haque Showrab
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Mushfiqur Rahim
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Litton Kumer Das
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Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan
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Jaker Ali Anik
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain)
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Taijul Islam
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Nayeem Hasan
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Hasan Murad
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Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
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Hasan Mahmud
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Nahid Rana
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Syed Khaled Ahmed
Tour Schedule and WTC Implications
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka on June 13, 2025. The tour will begin with the first Test in Galle on June 17, followed by the second Test in Colombo from June 25.
This series holds significant value as it is Bangladesh’s first WTC 2025-2027 series. Positive results here could provide crucial early points on the championship table and help build momentum for the coming seasons.
For the full ICC WTC 2025-27 schedule, visit the official ICC World Test Championship page.
