Tag: Bangladesh

DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named an unchanged squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting July 20 at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The selectors have opted for continuity, retaining the same group of players that recently clinched a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka on their home turf.

Explaining the decision, BCB’s Chairman of Cricket Operations, Najmul Abedeen Fahim, said the board is prioritising stability in the lead-up to the ICC T20 World Cup.

“It’s a different matter if changes are absolutely necessary, but till the World Cup, we want consistency and to avoid unnecessary experimentation,” Fahim stated.

“It’s important to have stability in the squad.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, the Pakistan T20I squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, landed in Dhaka on July 16 for the series against Bangladesh.

The touring squad features a blend of experience and new talent, although they are missing several key players.

Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf are unavailable due to injuries, while Hasan Ali continues his stint in England with the Birmingham Bears in the Vitality Blast.

The three-match T20I series is scheduled for July 20, 22, and 24. The last time these sides faced off was in May 2025, when Pakistan registered a clean 3-0 sweep at home.

Bangladesh squad for the T20I series against Pakistan

Litton Kumer Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Md Naim Sheikh, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.

READ: BCB eyes away series in August after India’s postponement of Bangladesh tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is actively exploring the possibility of an away series in August, after India pulled out of their scheduled tour, citing political tensions.

India were due to visit Bangladesh from August 17 to 31 for three ODIs and as many T20Is, but the series has now been pushed to September 2026 following advice from the Indian government to the BCCI amid escalating diplomatic concerns.

With the window now unexpectedly vacant, BCB is weighing its options to keep the players engaged and match-ready.

“We were initially planning internal matches during that period, like the ones we’ve done in the past between the national team and the ‘A’ side,” BCB Director Fahim told reporters in Dhaka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He said the board is now trying to arrange an international series abroad, even a short one, but also has a backup plan in case that doesn’t work out.

“If we don’t manage to lock in a series, we’ll organise a domestic tournament instead,” Fahim added.

A final decision is expected soon as BCB looks to ensure its players don’t lose competitive rhythm despite the scheduling hiccup.

As per the current Future Tours Programme (FTP), the Bangladesh cricket team is set to host 49 international matches until May 2027, including eight Tests (two each vs Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies, and England), 20 ODIs, and 21 T20Is.

READ: Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif, Hasnain Akhtar storm into World Snooker semi-finals

COLOMBO: Mahedi Hasan’s impressive four-wicket haul, combined with an unbeaten half-century from opening batter Tanzid Hasan, propelled Bangladesh to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to score only 132- 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for the hosts, making a cautious 46 runs off 39 deliveries, which included four boundaries.

Experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka was the other notable contributor with an unbeaten 35 runs from 25 balls. Aside from them, only middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis, who scored 21 runs, reached double figures.

For Bangladesh, Mahedi Hasan was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs against the experienced Sri Lanka lineup. He was well-supported by Shamim Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam, each taking one wicket.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For his outstanding bowling performance, Mahedi was named Player of the Match.

Chasing a modest target of 133 runs, Bangladesh comfortably knocked the winning runs, losing just two wickets in the process with 21 balls to spare.

However, their innings got off to a rough start, with Parvez Hossain Emon dismissed for a golden duck on the very first delivery. This early setback didn’t faze the visitors, as informed skipper Litton Das stabilized the innings alongside Tanzid Hasan, forming a 74-run partnership.

This partnership ended in the eighth over when Kamindu Mendis caught Das at deep backward square leg. The Bangladesh captain contributed 32 runs from 26 balls, hitting two fours and one six.

Tanzid then partnered with Towhid Hridoy to ensure a smooth run chase, adding an unbeaten 59 runs together.

The left-handed opener ended as the top scorer for Bangladesh, with 73 runs off 47 deliveries, featuring one four and six sixes, while Hridoy scored an unbeaten 27 runs from 25 balls.

The 2-1 victory allowed Bangladesh to win the T20I series against Sri Lanka for the first time.

READ: All-round Iftikhar Ahmed powers Rangpur Riders into GSL final

DHAKA: The Pakistan squad arrived here on Wednesday for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to begin on 20 July at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The national squad members arrived in Bangladesh in two groups. The second batch of the national team departed for Dhaka early on Wednesday morning. The Men in Green will take a rest tomorrow.

The second batch of players included Mohammad Haris, Abbas Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hussain Talat, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, along with members of the support staff.

Earlier, the first group had flown out from Karachi late Tuesday night. It comprised T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Faheem Ashraf.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, Pakistan is set to play three T20 Internationals against Bangladesh, with the series beginning on July 20. All three fixtures will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

This series serves as a rematch following Pakistan’s dominant 3-0 sweep in their previous T20I meeting at home in May.

Pakistan won the opening match by 37 runs, thanks to Shadab Khan’s outstanding all-round performance. He scored a rapid 48 runs off 25 balls and took two crucial wickets.

In the second T20I, Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz both made significant contributions with quick half-centuries, leading Pakistan to victory.

Meanwhile, the star of the third match was Mohammad Haris, who scored a blazing unbeaten century.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: Michael Vaughan questions ICC’s over-rate penalty on England

DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Haque, on Tuesday, opened up on the future of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan with the national team.

Amid increasing speculation about Shakib’s future, especially regarding his recent political controversies and ongoing legal issues, Haque confirmed that the former captain is still available for selection in all formats.

“Shakib is still available as a cricketer. He hasn’t retired from any format,” said the newly appointed BCB chief, putting to rest any assumptions of an unannounced exit from the game.

While Aminul Haque acknowledged he has yet to establish contact with the 38-year-old since taking over as board president, he stated that communication is on the agenda.

“I haven’t spoken to Shakib Al Hasan yet, but I do plan to,” he added.

The BCB head also made it clear that decisions regarding player selections are strictly the domain of the selectors, not the board administration.

“Team selection is the selectors’ responsibility. My job is to run the board, not to decide who plays,” Haque reiterated.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The former captain’s future involvement with the national side, Haque said, will depend on discussions between the player and the selectors, taking into account his availability and interest.

He last represented Bangladesh in the Test series against India in October 2024. He has one of the most distinguished careers in Bangladesh cricket, having played 71 Test matches, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is.

Throughout his career, he has scored 14,730 runs and taken 712 wickets across all formats.

Shakib Al Hasan is currently in Guyana, where he is representing Dubai Capitals during the second edition of the Global Super League (GSL).

During the season opener against Central Districts, he gave an all-round performance to lead his side to a 22-run victory.

He struck an unbeaten 58 off 37, followed by a brilliant spell with the ball, taking four wickets for 13 runs.

READ: West Indies cricket chief calls emergency meeting after Australia debacle

The Pakistan T20I squad has left for Bangladesh to participate in a three-match series, with players traveling in two separate groups from Karachi via Dubai.

The second batch of the national squad departed for Dhaka early on Wednesday morning.

This group includes Mohammad Haris, Abbas Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hussain Talat, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, along with members of the support staff.

Earlier, the first group had flown out from Karachi late Tuesday night. It comprised T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Faheem Ashraf.

Pakistan are set to play three T20 Internationals against Bangladesh, with the series beginning on July 20. All three fixtures will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This series serves as a rematch following Pakistan’s dominant 3-0 sweep in their previous T20I meeting at home in May.

Pakistan won the opening match by 37 runs, thanks to Shadab Khan’s outstanding all-round performance. He scored a rapid 48 runs off 25 balls and took two crucial wickets.

In the second T20I, Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz both made significant contributions with quick half-centuries, leading Pakistan to victory.

Meanwhile, the star of the third match was Mohammad Haris, who scored a blazing unbeaten century.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: ICC unveils Women’s World Cup 2025 warm-up schedule

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has expressed his desire to lead the national team in Test cricket after Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the position.

Shanto resigned as captain following the team’s crushing defeat by an innings and 78 runs in the second Test against Sri Lanka last month, bringing an end to his tenure less than a year after taking charge.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet announced a replacement for Shanto. However, Taijul Islam has expressed his interest in stepping in.

Speaking to local media on Tuesday, the 33-year-old stated that he feels prepared to take on the responsibility, highlighting his experience and composure as important strengths.

“I believe I have experience, there’s no reason I can’t do the job if it’s offered. It’s not about being greedy, I believe if the responsibility is given to me, I believe I can carry it,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He stressed that leadership isn’t about status but about having a long-term vision.

“A captain should have a long-term view for the team. You need to have a goal, like where you want to see your team two years from now. And that goal must be supported by the team management,” he added.

Taijul Islam also underscored the importance of backing the captain fully, suggesting that belief in leadership often translates into better team performances.

“I think it is important to give space to the captain and to value his perspective, because the team performs well when there is faith in leadership,” he further stated.

While Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who recently took over as ODI captain, remains in the conversation for red-ball leadership, Taijul’s red-ball consistency and seniority could work in his favour.

Since 2021, the left-armer has elevated his game, especially overseas, where he previously struggled.

“There are several factors. Age is one at this stage, you can pitch the ball exactly where you want. Experience is another,” he explained.

“Before 2021, I hadn’t played many overseas Tests. That experience has helped me improve gradually.”

READ: ‘World’s oldest marathon runner’ dies aged 114 in road accident

KARACHI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has explained the reason behind the inclusion of all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for the forthcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.

While addressing the media, Salman Agha referred to Nawaz’s inclusion as a like-for-like replacement for Shadab Khan, who is out of the team due to shoulder surgery.

At the start of the month, Shadab Khan underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom (UK). As a result, Shadab Khan was ruled out of Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball assignments against Bangladesh and the West Indies.

“Nawaz was selected because of Shadab’s injury. Performance goes up and down, that’s why it is important to analyse the ability of a player,” Salman Agha explained.

It is noteworthy to mention that Mohammad Nawaz’s last T20I appearance for Pakistan came against New Zealand in January 2024. The 31-year-old was under scrutiny due to his lackluster run in both domestic and international cricket.

The skipper also spoke about selection and the team’s strategic planning for the forthcoming fixtures.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“There’s no shortage of talent in Pakistan. PSL has brought several new faces to the fore. No one is being ignored. Irfan Khan Niazi will lead the Shaheens on the Darwin tour,” he said.

“We’ve trained with conditions in the USA, Bangladesh, and the West Indies in mind. Even the pitches at the National Stadium were tailored with the tour in perspective. We have plenty of spin options available as well,” he disclosed.

Salman Agha remained optimistic about Bangladesh despite their impressive home record, noting that his goal is to take Pakistan cricket ahead.

“Bangladesh is a tough side at home. They’ve beaten strong teams in their conditions. We’ve prepared accordingly and are ready for the challenge. I enjoy taking challenges. Whether I’m captain or not, the goal is to improve Pakistan cricket,” Salman Agha concluded.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim

READ: Salman Ali Agha opens up on Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan inclusion in T20I squad

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially revealed the ticket prices for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, set to begin on July 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Ticket prices will range from BDT 300 to BDT 3,500, offering options for fans across all budgets.

In a significant shift, the BCB has adopted a digital-first approach to ticketing, with all sales to be conducted online via the official eTicket platform starting July 15.

Fans will be able to choose their desired match date, gallery, block, and number of tickets before completing payment through credit card or digital wallet. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased per match per registered account.

Both printed and digital tickets will be valid for entry during the Bangladesh-Pakistan T20I series.

Any unsold tickets from the online phase will be made available at designated physical booths near the stadium on match days. The BCB will share booth details through its official digital platforms.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The ticket breakdown is as follows:

• Eastern Gallery: Tk 300
• Northern Gallery: Tk 400
• Shaheed Abu Sayed Stand: Tk 400
• Club House: Tk 800
• International Gallery: Tk 1,500
• Grand Stand: Tk 2,500
• International Lounge: Tk 3,500

Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on July 16 for the white-ball assignment.

The series serves as a rematch following Pakistan’s dominant 3-0 sweep in their previous T20I meeting at home in May.

Pakistan won the opening match by 37 runs, thanks to Shadab Khan’s outstanding all-round performance. He scored a rapid 48 runs off 25 balls and took two crucial wickets.

In the second T20I, Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz both made significant contributions with quick half-centuries, leading Pakistan to victory.

Meanwhile, the star of the third match was Mohammad Haris, who scored a blazing unbeaten century.

Pakistan-Bangladesh series schedule

• 20 July – First T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
• 22 July – Second T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
• 24 July – Third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)

READ: MI New York clinch MLC 2025 title with thrilling victory over Washington Freedom

KARACHI: The Pakistan cricket team engaged in a scenario-based practice session for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on July 20 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.

The Green shirts are scheduled to play a series against Bangladesh and the West Indies ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025.

In preparation for a packed cricketing calendar, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organized a week-long training camp, which will continue till 15 July.

Apart from squad members, five additional players, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and  Mohammad Wasim Jr are featuring in the camp.

During today’s practice match, the players were given scenarios in which batters were instructed to adopt an aggressive approach while a different strategy was planned for the middle phase of the innings. The players have also been briefed on the game plan for the final six overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh will be the first assignment under the new head coach, Mike Hesson. The opening match is scheduled for July 20, followed by the second T20I on July 22 and the third on July 24.

After wrapping up the Bangladesh tour, the Green Shirts will travel to the United States of America (USA) to face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series in Florida, set to take place from August 1 to 4.

Both sides will then head to Trinidad and Tobago for a three-match ODI series, scheduled to take place between August 8 and 12.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the final T20I and ODI squads for both assignments in the coming days.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule 

20 July – First T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)

22 July – Second T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)

24 July – Third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)

READ: Hasan Nawaz reveals how his sister helped shape his cricket journey