The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a preliminary squad on Tuesday for a practice camp ahead of the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, commencing on May 3rd in Chattogram.

Notable absentees from the squad include Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib is currently unavailable, while Mustafizur is occupied with his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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"Shakib is expected to return home later this month," stated BCB chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain. "We will assess his availability upon his return."

Shakib is currently residing in the USA with his family, and his participation in the series remains uncertain. However, Gazi Ashraf expressed optimism about Shakib joining the squad, at least for the latter part of the series.

Soumya Sarkar has been included in the squad despite concerns surrounding his injury. He will participate in a match-scenario practice camp in Chattogram on April 26th, 27th, and 28th, under the observation of the team's fitness staff.

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"Soumya is not fully fit," explained Gazi Ashraf, "but he is gradually recovering. His presence with the team will allow him to be involved in strategic discussions."

Mohammad Saifuddin makes a comeback after over a year of absence due to injuries. Batsman Parvez Hossain Emon, currently the top scorer in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League with 585 runs, also earns a recall, along with left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam.

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The final squad for the Zimbabwe series will be announced later this month following the preliminary camp in Chattogram.

Preliminary Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid 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.