Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed likely to quit Test cricket

Bangladesh’s pace spearhead, Taskin Ahmed, is on the verge of bidding adieu to Test cricket due to persistent injury woes, as conveyed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Taskin, who has featured in 13 Tests, securing 30 wickets at an average of 51.50, faced a setback with a shoulder injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Consequently, he missed out on Bangladesh’s subsequent clashes against New Zealand.

His return came in the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he represented Durdanto Dhaka. BCB officials confirmed Taskin’s request to focus solely on white-ball cricket. However, deliberations that involved the player, head coach, and medical staff are pending before any official decision is made. The 28-year-old’s decision highlighted the toll injuries can take on a cricketer’s career, with hopes that his talents can still flourish in limited-overs cricket.

“He( Taskin) had sent a letter stating that he does not want to play longer-version cricket. After the game [of the ongoing BPL] is over we will sit with him in this regard. Let the coach [head coach Chandika Hathurusingha] come and we need to talk with him as well,” BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Taskin’s career hinges on awaited medical reports

Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has been informed of the right-arm pacer’s intention to retire from Test cricket. Hathurusingha has inquired whether the pacer’s decision is final or open to reconsideration. The Dhaka born cricketer’s most recent Test match appearance was against Afghanistan in June 2023, where he claimed four wickets in the second innings. He has chosen to forego surgery for his shoulder injury, as it would sideline him for a year.

“He [Taskin] is our across-format contracted player. We have to talk with our doctors and get a report on his injury status and later can make a decision in this regard,” said BCB’s chief selector Minhajul Abedin.