The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled a 17-member preliminary squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe, set to commence on May 3.

Notable exclusions from the squad are star all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, who are currently abroad. However, Mohammad Saifuddin's inclusion raises hopes for his return to the national team after 2022.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, the chairman of the national team selection panel, emphasized that the selected players will receive priority for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

Zimbabwe's team is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on April 28, with the initial matches scheduled to be held in Chattogram at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on May 3, 5, and 7. The series will then move to Dhaka for the final two matches at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 10 and 12.

The preliminary squad includes players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Taskin Ahmed among others, with a focus on preparing for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

Preliminary Squad:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Liton Das
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah Riyad
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mahedi Hasan
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Tanvir Islam
- Afif Hossain
- Hasan Mahmud
- Mohammad Saifuddin
- Soumya Sarkar

The squad selection reflects the BCB's strategic preparations for the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe and the subsequent T20 World Cup.