Biplob returns to Bangladesh Emerging team setup against South Africa

The Bangladesh Emerging Team is set to tour South Africa later this month for a multi-format assignment featuring a tri-series followed by two four-day matches, with leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob poised to make his return to the national development setup.

The tour is scheduled to begin on July 27, with the tri-series featuring the Bangladesh Emerging Team, the South Africa Emerging Team and a local Sports University side.

The two four-day matches will be played after the completion of the limited-overs competition.

Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to announce the official squad, reliable sources have confirmed that Biplob is expected to return to a BCB programme after a lengthy absence.

Top-order batter Yasir Rabbi, who featured in the previous Emerging Team series, is unlikely to retain his place in the squad.

According to sources, the probable squad includes Iftekhar Ifti, Mahfizul Robin, Ashikur Shibli, Moin Khan, Abu Hashim and Rohandoula Borson. Promising youngsters Irfan Shukkur, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Kalam Siddiqui Olin and Mohammad Abdullah Sifat are also expected to earn call-ups.

Meanwhile, experienced coach Mohammad Salahuddin will serve as the head coach during the South Africa tour.

The squad selection is understood to be part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's broader High Performance (HP) development plan, which was outlined earlier by BCB President and former national captain Tamim Iqbal.

The initiative aims to blend emerging talents with experienced performers to strengthen the country's future player pipeline.