Tanzid, Amite earn maiden call-ups

Bangladesh have handed maiden Test call-ups to Tanzid Tamim and Amite Hasan for the opening match of next month’s two-Test series against Pakistan, with selectors rewarding consistent performances in the longer format.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad on Sunday for the first Test, scheduled to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The second Test will be held in Sylhet from May 16 – both matches as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

The spotlight, however, falls firmly on the two uncapped batters.

Left-handed opener Tanzid Tamim, already a familiar face in Bangladesh’s white-ball setup, has earned his first Test call-up after building a solid red-ball record. The 25-year-old has scored 1,792 runs in 25 first-class matches at an average of 40, numbers that have kept him on the selectors’ radar for some time.

“Tanzid has been in our thoughts for Test cricket. He has a very good first-class record and we felt he deserved the opportunity to showcase his ability in Tests,” said chief selector Habibul Bashar.

“He has a sound technique and plenty of natural ability. We are confident that if he gets the chance, he can perform well in the longer format.”

Joining him is 24-year-old middle-order batter Amite, whose consistency in domestic cricket has been difficult to overlook. A right-hander who debuted in 2019, Amite averages 49 in first-class cricket across 82 innings.

“Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket,” Bashar said.

“His temperament stands out and we believe it is well suited for Test cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period.”

The inclusion of Tanzid and Amite signals a continued push towards strengthening Bangladesh’s batting depth in the longer format, with both players seen as long-term prospects.

“Both these players have time on their side and can serve Bangladesh for a very long period,” Bashar added.

Alongside the new faces, the squad also features the return of pace duo Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, who are back in the Test fold for the first time since late 2024. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been recalled after nearly a year.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named as vice-captain, as Bangladesh look to make a strong start to the home series against Pakistan.

For Tanzid and Amite, though, the upcoming Test represents more than just selection -- it is an opportunity to translate domestic promise onto the international stage and stake a claim in Bangladesh’s evolving red-ball setup.

Bangladesh Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan