Zimbabwe all-rounder unavailable for one-off Test against Bangladesh as Richard Ngarava prepares for captaincy debut in Harare from June 28.

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Zimbabwe have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their one-off Test against Bangladesh, with star all-rounder Sikandar Raza unavailable for the fixture due to his county cricket commitments in England.

The match, scheduled to begin on June 28 in Harare, will see fast bowler Richard Ngarava make his debut as Zimbabwe’s Test captain. Ngarava was appointed Test and ODI captain in December, replacing veteran batter Craig Ervine.

According to Zimbabwe Cricket, Raza has been granted permission to continue representing Worcestershire County Cricket Club for the remainder of the 2026 Vitality Blast campaign. His absence leaves Zimbabwe without one of their most experienced players as they prepare to face Bangladesh at home.

The 15-member squad announced for the Test also marks the return of veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer. The 39-year-old has not featured in a Test match since 2017 and brings valuable experience to the side.

Zimbabwe head into the contest on the back of their most recent Test victory, an innings-and-73-run win over Afghanistan in Harare in October 2025. Four players named in the latest squad—Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri—were not part of the squad that faced Afghanistan.

Several players from Zimbabwe’s previous Test squad have missed out on selection this time, including Tanunurwa Makoni, Nick Welch, Antum Naqvi, Tinotenda Maposa and Wellington Masakadza. Raza remains the most notable absentee due to his overseas commitments.

Zimbabwe and Bangladesh last met in a two-Test series in April-May 2025. Zimbabwe stunned the hosts by winning the opening Test before Bangladesh bounced back to level the series 1-1.

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 and Tafadzwa Tsiga.