Bangladesh's Litton Das and Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza will miss the upcoming Test series between the two sides starting April 20.
The two-match series will be played between April 20 and May 2. The teams last met in a Test in July 2021, when Bangladesh won by 220 runs in Harare. Bangladesh last hosted Zimbabwe in February 2020, securing victory by an innings and 106 runs.
Ahead of the series, both teams will be missing at least one key player: Bangladesh will be without their regular Test wicketkeeper, Das, while Zimbabwe will lack their premier all-rounder, Raza.
🎯 A short but intense net session today in Sylhet!
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) April 17, 2025
Working hard, adjusting to conditions and sharpening skills.#BANvZIM pic.twitter.com/bce5cX5nNn
Why is Das not playing the BAN v ZIM series?
Das received clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to participate in the entirety of PSL 2025 for Karachi Kings. However, before the season began, he was ruled out due to a thumb injury sustained during training.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't be part of this tournament, even though I was really looking forward to it," Das was quoted in a statement released by the Kings. "Life can be unpredictable - just my bad luck."
Since his series-defining 138 in Rawalpindi against Pakistan in late August last year, runs have dried up for Litton across all formats. He has gone 19 innings without a fifty for Bangladesh, averaging just 11.36 during this period. This poor form led to his exclusion from Bangladesh’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
ALSO READ: BAN vs ZIM Test squads: Who’s in, Who’s out? Full squads and injury updates
Why is Raza missing Bangladesh Tests?
After going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction following his release from Punjab Kings, Raza is currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2025. While he has yet to make an impact with the bat, his bowling has been the standout feature of his season so far. He recorded figures of 2-12 off three overs against Quetta Gladiators and 2-13 off 2.1 overs against Karachi Kings, contributing to victories in both matches.
In the past, Raza has prioritised franchise cricket over international commitments as well. He notably missed Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against Ireland in February in Bulawayo for this reason.
Since making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2013, Sikandar Raza has scored 1,286 runs at an average of 36.74, including one century and nine fifties. With the ball, he has taken 38 wickets at an average of 40.78, featuring two five-wicket hauls. His most recent Test appearance was against Afghanistan in January
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