Bangladesh’s stance on white-ball series against Afghanistan remains tentative

Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex (Source : Twitter )

The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on June 21, Friday, that they’ve not yet reached a definitive decision regarding the white-ball series against Afghanistan scheduled for July and August. 

Initially, it was anticipated that the Afghanistan Cricket Board would host Bangladesh for a series comprising two Tests, as well as three ODIs and three T20Is, subsequent to the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Subsequently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board devised a revised schedule for the BCB subsequent to receiving authorization from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. According to the provisional itinerary as seen by Cricbuzz, three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is are slated to take place in Greater Noida from July 25 to August 6.

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Both boards are currently in supposed discussions to schedule the two Tests for 2025, considering Bangladesh’s already-congested red-ball calendar for 2024. Post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, their agenda includes a visit to Pakistan for a bilateral two-match Test series, followed by a tour to India for a series encompassing two Tests alongside three T20Is. In October, Bangladesh is slated to host South Africa for a bilateral two-match Test series, while in November-December, they’re scheduled to embark on a tour to the West Indies, featuring two Tests along with three ODIs and as many T20Is.

Chief executive of the BCB, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, indicated that deliberations had indeed taken place regarding the proposed arrangement for the six-white-ball matches (as mentioned above). He acknowledged that the series had previously been outlined in the Future Tours Programme but emphasized that a definitive resolution remains pending.

“Basically, this was in discussion (playing three ODIs and three T20I against Afghanistan in Greater Noida in July-August) , but a final decision is yet to be taken. The series was earlier penciled in the FTP, but we’re yet to finalize anything in this regard (as far as playing them in July is concerned),” Chowdhury told Cricbuzz on Friday.

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Chairman of cricket operations of the BCB, Jalal Yunus, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the weather conditions in India as a deterrent to the smooth progression of the games.

“We are yet to confirm the series (in July-August). The weather is not conducive (to play cricket during that time),” shared Jalal when contacted by Cricbuzz.

According to sources, a definitive decision on this matter will be made following consultations with the team management, as the BCB seems reluctant to burden their cricketers with excessive workload.