Taskin Ahmed excited for Test cricket return as Bangladesh departs for Pakistan

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has expressed his excitement and optimism as the team has departed for Pakistan for their scheduled two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

Speaking before their departure, Taskin expressed his joy about returning to Test cricket after an extended break and sought the nation's prayers for the team's success.

"I am very excited to return to Test cricket after a long time," Taskin stated. "Please pray that Allah keeps us healthy. Those who follow cricket may know about my shoulder issues, which have kept me away from Test cricket to ensure my shoulder remains healthy."

The pacer also discussed the team's aspirations for the upcoming series. 

"Our aim is to win matches for the country in the longer format. InshaAllah, with Allah's help and your prayers, everything will be better. Our performance has improved, and we hope to make everyone happy with our efforts. Please keep us in your prayers," he concluded.

The Bangladesh national cricket team, captained by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, has embarked on their journey to Pakistan for a two-match Test series.

The team departed on Monday, with pacer Taskin Ahmed joining them at the airport. Taskin is set to play only one Test, a decision made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to carefully manage his workload.

It is worth noting that Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in the first match, scheduled for August 21-25 in Rawalpindi. The two teams will then play the second Test from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.

Bangladesh Test Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed

Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi