Taskin Ahmed turns down LPL to focus on Test series
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has abandoned his Lanka Premier League 2026 plans. He will instead prepare for a two-Test series in Australia. The decision breaks his contract with Jaffna Kings. But it aligns with a historic tour for Bangladesh.
Ahmed had a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. He was set to play in Sri Lanka after the T20I series in Zimbabwe. But he stayed with the national squad when Mustafizur Rahman got injured. His focus now is Test cricket.
The first Test starts in Darwin from August 13 to 17. The second Test follows in Mackay from August 22 to 26. Taskin admits the move costs money. But he values the chance to represent Bangladesh in Australia. This is the first such opportunity since 2003.
Ahmed called the Australia series a top priority. He said competing in back-to-back matches in Zimbabwe made it harder to prepare for LPL and Test cricket. He added that the Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship. For him, the timing demands full focus.