The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe, with star batter Tamim Iqbal making a comeback after recovering from a groin injury. The series, scheduled to begin on July 7, 2026, will see Bangladesh host Zimbabwe for three ODIs in Dhaka.
Tamim Iqbal's Return Bolsters Batting
Tamim Iqbal, who missed the previous series against Sri Lanka due to a groin strain, has been declared fit and included in the squad. The left-handed opener is Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in ODIs with over 8,000 runs. His return is expected to provide stability at the top of the order. BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed, "Tamim has fully recovered and is ready to play. His experience will be crucial against Zimbabwe."
New Faces and Omissions
The squad includes uncapped all-rounder Mohammad Naim, who impressed in domestic cricket with 450 runs and 12 wickets in the recent Dhaka Premier League. However, veteran pacer Taskin Ahmed has been left out due to a back injury, while spinner Taijul Islam misses out due to workload management. Pacer Shoriful Islam returns after a brief rest.
Series Schedule and Venue
The three-match ODI series will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on July 7, 9, and 12. All matches are day-night fixtures starting at 2:00 PM local time. Zimbabwe will arrive in Dhaka on July 3 for a week-long preparation camp.
Bangladesh's Recent Form
Bangladesh lost their last ODI series 2-1 to Sri Lanka in May 2026. The team is looking to bounce back and build momentum ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers later this year. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, recently defeated Ireland 2-1 in a home ODI series.
Squad Details
The full squad includes: Tamim Iqbal (captain), Litton Das (vice-captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Naim, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Anamul Haque.
According to BCB officials, the squad was selected based on current form and fitness. The board also announced that a reserve list will be named closer to the series.
