“Although he made a comeback in the series decider today, the team management & medical team have decided to prioritize his long-term fitness,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board said on Twitter. “Despite being fit, our selectors believe it is crucial not to rush his return. They have taken a cautious approach to ensure he receives adequate rest and rehabilitation allowing him to regain full fitness before the upcoming BCBtigers series, the ACC Asia Cup & the ICC CWC 2023.”
Vice-captain Rahmat Shah is likely to feature alongside Abdul Malik and Ibrahim Zadran to add familiarity to the top order. Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil are their wicketkeeping options, with the latter offering back-up.
Javed Ahmadi and Wafadar Momand are among the players who are missing out from their last Test in March 2021, while 34-year old Noor Ali Zadran has found a spot among the reserves.
The visitors are set to arrive in Bangladesh on June 10. They will be in Bangladesh in two phases: the first involving the Test, the second involving three ODIs and two T20Is in July.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Nasir Jamal, Karim Janat, Zahir Khan, Izharulhaq Naveed, Amir Hamza, Mohammad Ibrahim, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nijat Masood
Reserves: Noor Ali Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Azmatullah Omarzai and Sayed Shirzad