Mosaddek, Yasir Return for Zimbabwe T20I Series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Zimbabwe, recalling all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat and middle-order batter Yasir Ali Rabbi after lengthy absences from the national T20 setup.

Mosaddek returns to Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the first time in almost four years, having last represented the Tigers in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Yasir, meanwhile, has been recalled nearly three years after his most recent appearance in Bangladesh colours at the 2023 Asian Games.

The selectors have once again entrusted Towhid Hridoy with the captaincy in the absence of regular skipper Litton Das. Litton has been granted permission by the BCB to participate in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), making him unavailable for the Zimbabwe T20Is.

Hridoy also captained Bangladesh in the recent home T20I series against Australia while Litton was sidelined. Although Bangladesh endured a disappointing 3-0 series defeat, the BCB has retained faith in the young batter’s leadership by handing him the captaincy for another assignment.

Mosaddek’s return adds valuable experience and versatility to the middle order. A batting all-rounder who also offers useful off-spin, he has represented Bangladesh across all three international formats and has previously played a key role in the team’s white-ball setup. His inclusion gives the team management additional options in balancing the playing XI, particularly in conditions that could favour spin.

Yasir’s comeback strengthens Bangladesh’s middle-order batting. Regarded as an aggressive stroke-maker capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating the scoring rate, the right-hander will be eager to make the most of another opportunity after spending an extended spell on the sidelines.

The selectors have also retained pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Saklain despite a modest debut series for Bangladesh. By keeping him in the squad, they have signalled their willingness to continue investing in emerging players and provide them with time to adapt to international cricket.

The three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe will be held on 15, 17 and 19 July, with all three fixtures scheduled to take place in Bulawayo.

Bangladesh head into the white-ball leg of the tour seeking a strong response after a disappointing start in Zimbabwe. The visitors suffered a heavy innings defeat in the lone Test, exposing shortcomings in both batting and bowling. The result has placed added importance on delivering improved performances in the limited-overs matches.

Before the T20I series gets under way, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will meet in a One-Day International series beginning on 6 July. The ODIs will offer several players an opportunity to regain form and confidence before attention shifts to the shortest format.

The Zimbabwe tour also provides Bangladesh’s selectors and coaching staff with another opportunity to evaluate the depth of the national squad ahead of future international commitments. With a blend of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters, the squad reflects an effort to maintain continuity while rewarding players who have impressed in domestic cricket.

For Mosaddek and Yasir, the series presents an important opportunity to re-establish themselves in Bangladesh’s T20 plans. Strong performances could strengthen their prospects of earning regular places in future squads, while Hridoy will be determined to lead the side to a positive outcome after the recent disappointment against Australia.

Bangladesh T20I squad: Towhid Hridoy (captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shariful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Mohammad Saifuddin.