The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today announced a 17-member preliminary squad for the five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe, starting on May 3.

Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman were not included in the squad as they are not in the country at this moment.

All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin found a place in the preliminary squad, raising a hope to get back into the national team after 2022.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, the chairman of national team selection panel, said the players of this squad will get the priority to be on the flight of USA and West Indies, which will host T20 World Cup.

"Unfortunately Shakib and Mustafizur haven't been in the country at this moment, so we couldn't keep them in the squad. Soumya also has an injury concern. He has been under observation but still he is in the squad so that he can take part in the strategic lecture session," Lipu was quoted in a video message sent by the BCB today.

"Mehidy Hasan Miraz is not in the squad but if any off spinner gets injured, he can make his way. He has played so many T20 matches. There are some who are out of the squad because we don't need them at the moment. But they would have the opportunity. Basically these players will get the priority in making the T20 World Cup squad," he added.

Zimbabwe will arrive in Bangladesh on April 28 after which they will travel to Chattogram straightway.

Chattogram Zahur Ahmed Chowhdury Stadium will host the first three matches on May 3, 5 and 7. The teams will then travel to Dhaka where the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium hosts the last two matches on May 10 and 12.

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, Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar.