Upcoming Mutual Tours: Bangladesh and Pakistan Cricket Exchanges
Pakistan’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh for a series of white-ball matches in mid-2025, a development confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed. This reciprocal tour comes as a follow-up to Bangladesh’s scheduled trip to Pakistan in May for three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) as part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme (FTP). The talks between Faruque Ahmed and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, held on the sidelines of the Champions Trophy, have paved the way for this additional engagement, solidifying the cricketing relationship between the two nations.
Details of the Tour
Faruque Ahmed revealed on Saturday that while the specifics are still being ironed out, a short tour by Pakistan in July has been mostly confirmed. The exact dates and venues will be finalized and communicated in due course. "The PCB told us that they would tour Bangladesh outside of the FTP," Faruque said. "There might be a short tour in July, which we have mostly confirmed. We will inform you when we finalise it." This tour is expected to enhance the competitive spirit and camaraderie between the two teams, providing valuable match practice and strategic insights for both sides.
Future Collaborations and Tri-Series
Beyond the immediate tours, Faruque expressed interest in Bangladesh’s participation in future tri-series tournaments hosted by Pakistan. "I have also spoken about Bangladesh being part of a [Pakistan] tri-series in the future, wherever it is, if it is held at a suitable time for us," he stated. These multi-team events can offer Bangladesh a platform to test their skills against a broader range of international opponents, thereby contributing to their overall growth in the sport.
Strategic Planning for the 2027 World Cup
With Bangladesh’s early exit from the Champions Trophy, the BCB is now focusing on the team’s preparation for the next 50-over World Cup, scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. Faruque emphasized the importance of a well-defined policy and the role of experienced individuals in shaping the team’s future. "The board will give its policy [for 2027], and I think someone like Najmul Abedin Faheem, head of the BCB’s men’s cricket operations committee, is an experienced individual to take care of the operations committee," he said. "We will discuss how to take cricket forward." This forward-looking approach aims to build a strong foundation and ensure that Bangladesh can compete at the highest level in the upcoming World Cup.
Leadership Transition in T20I Cricket
The BCB is also navigating a change in leadership for their T20I side following Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resignation as captain in January. Faruque indicated that the new captain will be chosen from among the recent leaders of the team. Given his experience and leadership qualities, many speculate that Litton Das could take on this role. "We will try to appoint a captain from among those who have captained the team recently. We will get to a decision soon, and you will know about it," Faruque assured. This decision is crucial for maintaining continuity and fostering a cohesive team environment.
Farewell to a Legend: Mushfiqur Rahim
Adding to the agenda, the BCB is planning a fitting farewell for Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently announced his retirement from ODIs. Faruque Ahmed described Mushfiqur as one of the legends of the Bangladesh team and highlighted his significant contributions over the past 19 years. "We will plan on how to give Mushfiqur Rahim a proper farewell. He is probably one of the legends of our team," Faruque said. "He is one of the architects of Bangladesh cricket over the last 19 years." Recalling his career, Faruque noted Mushfiqur’s vital role in the 2007 World Cup and the inspiring path he has shown to the younger generation. This farewell celebration will not only honor Mushfiqur’s legacy but also serve as a motivational event for the emerging players in the Bangladesh cricket team.
