The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to host Bangladesh for six white-ball games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the end of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 28. The three fixtures of the shortest format will be played on October 02, 03, and 05 in Sharjah, while the ODIs will take place on October 08, 11, and 14 in Abu Dhabi.

It has been reported that Bangladesh could stay back in the UAE after the end of the event to play the bilateral series. Both sides are part of the second group along with Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, and will face each other on September 16 in Abu Dhabi. Only the top two sides from each group will make it to the Super Four stage of the competition.

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India, Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are in the first group. The upcoming Afghanistan vs Bangladesh series will be the second part of what was expected to be an all-format trip in July last year, comprised of two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

Afghanistan announces dates for three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh

The schedule was later revised to include the white-ball games, while the series was later postponed to the foul weather in Greater Noida, India, due to Bangladesh’s packed schedule. The two teams have had a rivalry between themselves for the last couple of years, especially since Afghanistan started to do well in the white-ball events.

Both sides have played each other in four bilateral ODI series, with the head-to-head record being leveled at 2-2. Bangladesh won the 2016 and 2022 series, while the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side pocketed the series in 2023 and 2024. It’s level in the bilateral T20I series with Afghanistan, winning in 2018. Bangladesh won in 2023, and a tied series took place three years ago.

Bangladesh tour of Afghanistan 2025

A recent probe has confirmed that several teams and players were involved in match-fixing during the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The revelations have sparked major concerns regarding the integrity of the competition and the effectiveness of its governance. According to reports, the investigation found multiple irregularities, with suspicious incidents linked to both domestic and international players. This has cast a shadow on the credibility of one of Bangladesh’s premier cricket tournaments, which has been a key platform for local and overseas talent.

The report published by Prothom Alo highlighted that the BPL’s investigation committee identified 36 unusual events in the previous season. These included questionable batting collapses, suspicious bowling tactics, and deliberate wides delivered at crucial moments. Among the flagged players were 10–12 cricketers, including two current Bangladesh internationals, a pacer and an off-spinner. Some domestic players were also found guilty of manipulating match outcomes by deliberately bowling poor deliveries to aid betting-related corruption.

See Also: 3 potential reasons why KL Rahul should be included in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad

The inquiry classified players based on the weight of evidence gathered against them. Three to four cricketers were placed in the “highly flagged” category, with strong evidence directly linking them to corrupt practices. Others were labelled “medium” or “low flagged,” where suspicion existed but proof was insufficient for direct charges. Worryingly, one of the accused was part of Bangladesh’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, raising concerns about the possible infiltration of corruption into the national team setup.

Allegations extend beyond players

Interestingly, the probe revealed that most of the implicated cricketers are over the age of 35, reducing the chances of their return to international cricket. However, their careers now face a heavy cloud of suspicion. Shockingly, the list of accused also included a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sub-committee member, who allegedly helped facilitate fixing deals with franchises. Team officials from Durbar Rajshahi, Sylhet Strikers, and Dhaka Capitals were also found admitting their roles in manipulating matches, further tainting the tournament’s reputation.

The committee is expected to recommend barring all accused players, officials, and managers from participating in cricket until they can clear their names. The investigation also exposed irregularities involving broadcasting partners, as certain TV channels were found to have aired betting-related advertisements. These broadcasters allegedly earned 170–180 crore taka illegally through such promotions. The findings have triggered widespread debate in Bangladesh cricket circles, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and stronger administrative measures to rebuild trust in the BPL.

There are several instances in the game when fielders injure themselves in the field due to showing crazy fielding skills and acrobatics. But there are rare and funny incidents of the fielders injuring the umpire mistakenly, whether by a poor throw or misjudgment of a shot or something else. Such an incident has taken place in Bangladesh.

A video has gone viral where it has been seen that during an encounter, the wicket-keeper of the fielding side collected the ball and aimed for a direct hit to the non-striker’s end as the batter was coming out of his crease. But he missed the mark, and it banged into the knees of the on-field umpire.

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The umpire fell on the ground straightaway and looked in serious pain. He tried to stand on the ground but could only limp. For a few moments, he tried to stand on the field but couldn’t. Later, he limped off the ground as the fielding side came to apologise to the fielders. It was a bizarre incident in the middle.

Watch: Injured Bangladesh umpire limps out of field

In the past, there was another incident when a senior umpire in Australia went through a horrific on-field incident and was hospitalized after sustaining serious injuries during a game last year in Perth. Umpire Toy DeNobrega was officiating the third-grade encounter in North Perth when he was hit flush by a ball hit by the striker.

Oops.. Bangladesh what have you done? 😂😂 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/rQPJMK5mWu

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) August 17, 2025

The umpire was left with severe swelling around his lips, right cheek, and eye, and stayed under observation in the hospital. It was a straight drive from Tony in the middle of the face. The umpire spent the entire night in the hospital and was fortunate enough not to break any bones, despite which the doctor kept him under observation.

DeNobrega sustained no fractures but remains under observation. The association of the umpires expressed their well-wishes. There was another incident with the former Pakistani umpire, Aleem Dar, who was hit on his back when the fielder threw it, while the umpire had no idea of the direction of the delivery.

In a format built on aggression and power-hitting, Bangladesh have emerged as the most dominant six-hitting team in 2025 so far. This year, Bangladesh, not England, not the West Indies, not India, has hit the most sixes in T20 internationals of any Test-playing country.

Bangladesh have hit exactly 100 sixes in international T20 matches this year, making them the only Test-playing country to do so.  Their bold style of cricket has not only helped them beat tough teams, but it has also shown the world a braver side of the Tigers. This constant desire to attack shows how the team's thinking is changing and how much they want to play modern, high-impact cricket.

Also Read -WCL 2025, Match 10: India Champions vs Australia Champions full match highlights

Most Sixes by a Team in T20Is in 2025 (Test-Playing Nations):

1. Bangladesh – 100 sixes
2. Pakistan – 84 sixes
3. New Zealand – 78 sixes
4. West Indies – 76 sixes
5. England – 62 sixes

Bangladesh's success with sixes has come from quick starts and smart acceleration in the middle overs. Openers like Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Litton Das have given strong starts, and middle-order batters like Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik have built on them.

1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ sixes in T20Is in 2025— the first Test-playing nation to reach the mark 🇧🇩#BANvPAK #BangladeshCricket #BDCricTime #ActivePlus pic.twitter.com/xdOp8tHloV

— bdcrictime.com (@BDCricTime) July 25, 2025

Big hits have also come from players like Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the right moments. Even bowlers like Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam hitting sixes show how confident and deep Bangladesh is with the bat.

To train former international cricketers as match referees, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has started a special two-day training and workshop, which began on Saturday. Several former national team players were invited to join the program, but recently retired star Mahmudullah Riyad declined the invitation. Even after direct contact from BCB’s umpires department, Mahmudullah reportedly said that he is currently focusing on domestic cricket and has decided not to join the workshop at this time.

Mahmudullah Declines Match Referee Role for Now

BCB sources said that Mahmudullah wants to continue playing domestic cricket and is not ready to focus on being a match official. The veteran all-rounder retired from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy. He had already retired from Tests in 2021 and T20Is in 2024.

Even though Mahmudullah no longer plays international cricket, he is still active in domestic matches.

Also Read -BAN vs PAK 3rd T20I: Full Highlights and Scoreboard

Workshop for Former Cricketers

Apart from Mahmudullah, several well-known former players were invited to the workshop. These include Habibul Bashar Sumon (former national captain and selector), Abdur Razzak (current selector), Dhiman Ghosh, Fazle Mahmud, Naeem Islam, and Elias Sunny.

They are among 30 first-class cricketers taking part in the training. The goal is to help them become certified match referees. BCB has been working for some time to give retired players a chance to work in administrative and match official roles. This workshop is part of that plan.

Habibul Bashar is now working in the BCB Women’s Wing under the Game Development department. Abdur Razzak is still part of the men’s national selection panel.

BCB Keeps Door Open for Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah, who played 50 Tests, 239 ODIs, and 141 T20Is for Bangladesh, has led the team in all formats. While he skipped the current workshop, BCB sources say they still hope to involve him in future roles.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has joined the nation in mourning after a devastating air crash struck Milestone School & College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, claiming the lives of over 20 people and leaving more than 150 injured. The crash, involving a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet on a training mission, sent shockwaves across the country, with a classroom full of students caught in the horrifying incident.

In response, the BCB observed National Mourning Day ahead of the second T20I between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka. "Standing in silence, united in sorrow. The Bangladesh Cricket Board observes National Mourning Day in remembrance and honour of the victims of the Milestone air crash tragedy," the board posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Standing in silence, united in sorrow. 🇧🇩
The Bangladesh Cricket Board observes National Mourning Day in remembrance and honour of the victims of the Milestone air crash tragedy.

Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh 🆚 Pakistan T20I Series 2025 | 2nd T20I#BCB #Cricket #BANvPAK… pic.twitter.com/ptnzFpWknR

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) July 21, 2025

Before the match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect. Players and match officials from both teams donned black armbands, and the national flag flew at half-mast across all BCB venues. In a quiet but powerful gesture, no music was played at the stadium throughout the match.

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World of Cricket Unites to Support Bangladesh in Staggering Milestone Air Disaster's Tragedy

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed also sent his prayers and support on a video message to commemorate the victims and their family. Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan also conveyed their sympathies, underlining the bonds of cricket during such tragedies.

The BCB’s statement more strongly emphasized, "We stand in solidarity with the grieving families and all affected by it. Our most sincere condolences and prayers go to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent messages of condolences indicating India was ready to offer support if needed.

As the investigation into the aircraft crash continues as to why this crash occurred was not be established at the time of publication. The accentuation on the sporting community’s tribute was a poignant reminder that sport can fully stand still for an entire nation in grieving. It is also a time for introspection, healing, and unity.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that fans will be allowed to bring food and drinks from outside into the stadium during the upcoming Bangladesh vs Pakistan T20I series. This is a big change from the earlier rules.

BCB confirmed this in a press release, changing the old rule that did not allow outside food in the stadium. According to the press release, fans can now carry food and drinks, but all items will be checked by security.

"Food and beverages from outside will be allowed, but security staff have the right to inspect them. Entry will be given only after proper checking," said the BCB statement.

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BCB to Enforce Security Rules Despite Relaxed Food Policy

While the food rules have been relaxed, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said that strict security rules will still be followed for all other items. Fans must bring their food before entering the stadium, as re-entry will not be allowed once they leave.

List of Banned Items at the Stadium

In the press release, the BCB shared a list of things that fans cannot bring into the stadium or stands:

1. Firearms
2. Laser pointers
3. Flares or fireworks
4. Matches, lighters, cigarettes
5. Video cameras or professional DSLR cameras
6. Flags with poles
7. Vuvuzelas, mirrors, knives
8. Canned items or bottles with caps/corks
9. Glass bottles or whistles
10. Any other item that security thinks may be dangerous

Strict Action for Unsafe Behaviour

The BCB also said that any item or behaviour that may be risky for players or fans can lead to a person being stopped from entering or removed from the stadium. Security staff will have full power to take this action.

পাকিস্তান সিরিজে দর্শকদের জন্য সুখবর, ঢুকতে পারবেন খাবার ও পানি নিয়ে, তবে... pic.twitter.com/fkbzhbfNSn

— Cricket97 (@cricket97bd) July 19, 2025

BAN vs PAK T20I Series Details

The exciting three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan will start on July 20 at 6:00 PM (Bangladesh time). All matches will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, located in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s leading left-arm spinner, Taijul Islam, has shown interest in becoming the Test captain. He said that if he is offered the role, he is ready to take the responsibility. After Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from the role following his dispute with the board—after being removed as ODI captain—many names have been discussed to fill the gap left by the country’s most successful Test captain.

Taijul Islam Opens Up About Test Captaincy Dream

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in the post-“Fab Five” era. While he may not grab headlines like some of his teammates, Taijul has been a key player in the national Test team. Even though he is often ignored in white-ball formats, he remains an important part of Bangladesh’s red-ball setup.

Still, despite his steady performances, Taijul is often seen as “underrated.” Now, at 33, he has shared a personal goal—to one day lead Bangladesh in Test cricket.

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"If Given the Chance, Why Not?"

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Taijul spoke about his dream of becoming Test captain. He dismissed the idea that a player must have past leadership experience to lead the national side.

“I think it is important to give space to the captain and value his words, because the team will do well when we trust the captain,” Taijul said. “Just because I haven’t been captain before doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do if it’s needed to lead the side. It’s not like I’m greedy for the captaincy.”

Taijul has never led a side at the domestic or national level, but he believes that vision and trust are more important than past roles. “It’s not about whether captaincy is attractive or not. A captain needs to have a plan for where he wants to take the team. You need to know what kind of team you want and have a goal of where you want to see them in two years. If the opportunity comes, why not?” he added.

🗣️ "If the opportunity comes (to lead the side), why not?" - Taijul Islam added.

But he clarifies he's not greedy for the captaincy. #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/egHjlhwSGC

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 15, 2025

Experience, Growth, and the Art of Spin

Taijul believes his recent form is a result of maturity and experience, especially in foreign conditions.

“There are many factors,” he said. “Age plays a role. With age, you can pitch the ball exactly where you want. Experience is also important. Before 2021, I didn’t play many Tests overseas.”

He stressed the value of patience in developing players. “This experience matters—how many Tests I’ve played overseas and on different pitches. When the experience is full, the performance improves. It’s hard for a newcomer to debut and perform right away. You have to give players time. Alhamdulillah, I got time and improved step by step.”

Speaking about spin, he explained, “Pace variation is important. If you bowl one slower and one faster, it confuses the batter. Also, if you bowl two balls at the same speed—one that turns and one that goes straight—it becomes very hard for the batter. The world’s best spinners do this. A quick ball usually goes straight, but the same ball, if bowled slower, can turn in or out. That makes it very difficult for the batter.”

India and Bangladesh have traditionally been friendly neighbors. Both countries have historically maintained warm relationships for several decades now. India, being a brotherly nation, has never hesitated to extend a helping hand to Bangladesh. In fact, India played a pivotal role in helping Bangladesh achieve independence in 1971. But in recent times, things have turned sour between the two nations. The recent postponement of India's tour of Bangladesh depicts just how badly the diplomatic ties have been impacted in recent times. 

It all changed when a violent student uprising shook the country in August 2024, which ultimately led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Under the new Muhammad Yunis-led government, the country has seen a sharp rise in attacks against the Hindu minorities. Moreover, the country has also adopted a very hostile approach against India and seems to be leaning more towards its former authoritarian masters, Pakistan. Besides, the new Bangladeshi government is also in talks with Pakistan and China to reinstate an old airbase in the province of Rangpur, which can threaten to choke India's Siliguri corridor, India's sole linkage to the seven sisters. 

In light of heightened hostility and shifting political landscape, should India play Bangladesh in upcoming bilateral and international tournaments? We have highlighted key reasons why India should refrain from playing any form of cricket against Bangladesh. 

See also: Should India play Pakistan in upcoming Asia Cup 2025?

Bangladesh politics in turmoil

Ever since the exit of Sheikh Hasina last year, the country's political climate has become a lot murky. Former leaders and MP of the Awami League, including former cricketers Mashrafe Mortaza and Naimur Rahman Durjoy have come under the scanner of the authorities. Besides, Bangladesh's start all-rounder, Shakib AL Hassan, who was also a member of Hasina's now-ousted party has not been able to return to his homeland either. Meanwhile, the new government's policies have become more anti-Indian, and it is under their leadership, we are starting to see reports of widespread attacks against the Hindu minorities. In this chaotic atmosphere, we can't think of playing cricket against a nation whose hands are drenched in blood.

Hatred shown by Bangladesh cricketers in the past

Keeping politics aside, the on-field behavior of the Bangladeshi cricketers towards the Indian cricketers has also caused a lot of stir in the past. Ugly on-field altercations have taken place between the players from the two sides, attracting widespread condemnation from the Indian viewers. The most infamous of them all was the 2020 U-19 World Cup Final in South Africa, which Bangladesh managed to win by a narrow margin. 

A dispute erupted as soon as Bangladesh were able to hit the winning runs. Bangladesh players stormed onto the field and started celebrating aggressively the moment Rakibul Hasan struck the winning runs. A physical altercation ensued—Bangladesh players reportedly shouted at Indian opponents and physically shoved them, while some Indian players pushed back. Harsha Bhogle criticized the lack of sportsmanship, saying young players should “shake hands” and avoid “abusive sledging”  while Former Test spinner Bishan Singh Bedi labeled the behavior “disgusting” and “disgraceful”.

Then, in another separate instance during the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup Final, another ugly spat broke out between the two teams. Though not physical in nature, this time, both teams sledged each other verbally. The friction stayed within verbal limits, but tensions ran high with aggressive sledging audible on camera.

Anti-Indian comments from Bangladeshi cricketers

If all of the above reasons were not enough, inflammatory remarks have previously been issued by the Bangladeshi players. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim was seen urging the crowd to chant “Allahu Akbar” as Bangladesh pulled ahead in the final overs of the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup Final—an action widely criticized as mixing religion and sport to rile up spectators against India.

Bangladeshi bowlers like Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were repeatedly heard sledging Indian batsmen during the World Cup (though overlaps with 2020), often using harsh or abusive language. In one incident, a ball was nearly thrown at Divyansh Saxena’s helmet, drawing sharp criticism from the Indian viewers. The Bangladeshi players faced severe backlash from the Indian users on social media and were called out for displaying disrespectful and needlessly aggressive behavior. These acts give us an insight into the typical mindset of a Bangladeshi player and the stance they have against India.   

CricketWinner's views on Ind-Ban cricketing ties

According to CricketWinner, India should sever cricketing ties with Bangladesh, a nation that plots against us and works hard towards undermining the credibility of our government and armed forces. On similar grounds, India have boycotted playing against Pakistan bilaterally. A similar approach can also be adopted to isolate Bangladesh cricket in an effort to make them mend their ways. The Indian cricket board is the richest cricketing board in the world and can easily survive without playing against Bangladesh. It is Bangladesh who are in dire need of funds in the form of ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast deals.

India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which was set to take place in August-September 2025, has now been postponed to 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) announced on Saturday. The tour originally included three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals between the two sides.

According to the official statement, the decision came after discussions between the BCCI, the BCB, and the two boards decided to postpone the series, looking at the international calendar and logistical issues. The tour has been postponed until September 2026.

In its media release, the BCCI said, “The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have mutually agreed to defer the white-ball series, three ODIs and three T20 Internationals, between Bangladesh and India in August 2025 to September 2026.”

New Dates and Fixtures to Be Announced Later

The BCCI further added, “This decision has been reached following discussions between the two Boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams. The BCB looks forward to welcoming India in September 2026 for this eagerly anticipated series. Revised dates and fixtures for the tour will be announced in due course.”

🚨 NEWS 🚨

Rescheduling of India’s white-ball Tour of Bangladesh.

Details 🔽 #TeamIndiahttps://t.co/qaOWJBgJdu

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 5, 2025

See Also: From IPL heroics to U-19 domination: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 52-ball century against England

While political tensions between the countries are believed to be a background factor, the official reason for the postponement remains scheduling and calendar clashes. Both cricket boards are now working on finalizing new T20I dates that will suit both sides in 2026.