Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz feels that the upcoming two-match Test series at home against Zimbabwe will be a great opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their mettle in the absence of some top cricketers. 

Bangladesh will be without wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das -– a mainstay for the Tigers in the red-ball format -- and lead pacer Taskin Ahmed, who has been one of the national team's best performers.

Liton is currently in Pakistan to play for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, which got underway on Friday, while Taskin was ruled out due to a left Achilles tendon issue.

In the absence of the experienced duo, the selectors named wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon and uncapped Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the opening Test squad, beginning in Sylhet on April 20.

"I think it's an opportunity. These two cricketers are not here. They are very important players. I think it's an opportunity for the young cricketers. I hope they can perform in their respective positions," Miraz told reporters at a city hotel on Friday after he received the Sportsperson of the Year 2024 and Cricketer of the Year 2024 awards in the Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2024.

"Zimbabwe, of course, is a very good team. You can't take any team lightly in international cricket. As the series will take place at home, it will be very important for us. If every cricketer performs from their respective positions, the work will be easier," he added.

Pace sensation Nahid Rana was named the Emerging Sportsperson of the Year 2024. The 22-year-old also had his say on the upcoming Tests. 

"Sylhet wicket…actually you can't judge how the wicket will be before. When the match will start, you can understand better. If the wicket has assistance for the pacers, I will definitely try to utilise that," said Nahid, who will only be available for the opening Test as he will be leaving for the PSL to play for Peshawar Zalmi after the Sylhet Test.