Ashraful keen to ‘test bench strength’ in NZ T20Is

Bangladesh are set to inject fresh blood into their T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, running from April 27 to May 2, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sources.

With six of their players, including pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman, engaged in the 2026 Pakistan Super League and exempted from the series, it might open the door for another pacer to stake a claim.

Batting coach Mohammad Ashraful welcomed the prospect of giving opportunities to emerging talent when established players are unavailable due to franchise commitments, injuries, or personal reasons.

“Definitely. I would say, regarding the last two boards, since Faruque [Ahmed] bhai and [Aminul Islam] Bulbul bhai arrived, their thinking is a bit different,” he told reporters after the Independence Day Exhibition match at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

“Previously, the situation was that we brought Mustafizur back from Chennai [Super Kings] to play against Zimbabwe and didn't let him play the knockout match. Now, however, this isn't happening.

“If you look at the series we lost against the United Arab Emirates, Mustafizur wasn't there because of the Indian Premier League. So, this is a positive side… and we haven't done this before, but now we are doing it, and this is how it should be,” he said on BCB’s stance of allowing cricketers to thrive in franchise leagues despite the national team’s series.

“We might not always have every player available; there could be injuries or family issues, and at those times another player should be given the opportunity. I don’t know the lengths of the PSL NOCs, but if a new player gets a chance, it will be an opportunity for them and for us to test bench strength,” added the former Bangladesh captain.

Pacer Ripon Mondol or all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, who have appeared in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, will be in the selectors’ radar for the New Zealand T20Is. Meanwhile, pacers Tanzim Sakib and Hasan Mahmud have recovered from injury issues, according to BCB medical department officials.

Ashraful divulged that players from all three formats will be starting the camp on Friday.

“We will be starting with fitness and fielding, and the initial phase will be from [March] 27 to April 2. Then there are gaps on 3rd and 4th before the skill camp begins. There were tight schedules in the BPL, and after that in Odommo Cup, BCL, and then the Pakistan series. Since we have got some time [before New Zealand ODIs], we will be doing work on fitness and fielding for a week. The Test and white-ball players will be there, and all the coaching staff.”