Bangladesh Test: Zimbabwe to be without star all-rounder Raza

Sikandar Raza, 38, Zimbabwe’s star all-rounder, ruled out of one-off Test vs Bangladesh. Reason: ZC granted him permission to continue playing for Worcestershire in the 2026 Vitality Blast in England. Test dates clash: June 28 – July 2 at Harare Sports Club.

The 15-man squad includes 39-year-old legspinner Graeme Cremer, who hasn't played a Test match since 2017. Fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who replaced Craig Ervine as Test and ODI captain in December, is set to make his captaincy debut in the fixture.

15-member squad announced June 23 for first Test since October 20255 players recalled: Graeme Cremer, 39, last Test 2017, plus Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri5 players dropped from Afghanistan Test win: Tanunurwa Makoni, Nick Welch, Antum Naqvi, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza. New Test captain: Fast bowler Richard Ngarava debuts as skipper, replaced Craig Ervine in December.

The match against Bangladesh is Zimbabwe's first Test since their victory by an innings and 73 runs against Afghanistan in Harare in October 2025. Apart from Cremer, there are four players in the squad named on Tuesday that were not part of the squad that played Afghanistan: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri.

Last series: April-May 2025 in Bangladesh, drew 1-1. Zimbabwe won 1st Test – first win in 4 years. Bangladesh change: Litton Das out with left calf strain, Mahidul Islam replaces himAfter Test: 3 ODIs + T20Is also scheduled.

Bottom line: Raza will miss Zimbabwe’s return to Tests as he finishes his Vitality Blast stint with Worcestershire. It’s another case of him prioritizing franchise cricket – he also skipped the Ireland Test in Feb. Zimbabwe go in with new captain Ngarava and recall 39-year-old Cremer for the Harare Test starting June 28.

Zimbabwe squad for one-off Test against Bangladesh

Richard Ngarava (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Roy Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor, Tafadzwa Tsiga.