Not all seems to be going well for Bangladesh in the white-ball format, especially if we speak of their current run in the shortest format. Following a crushing series defeat against Pakistan, Bangladesh cricket has reached a new low. The Tigers have fallen behind and find themselves ranked 10th in the ICC Men's T20I Team rankings. The steep decline in their recent form in this format has attracted the ire of their fans and the cricketing community. 

See also: BCB president sacked, board risks ICC suspension

Their shocking series loss to the USA, an associate nation prior to the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup, sent shockwaves across the nation. If that blow wasn't enough, Bangladesh cricket reached another low point by losing a bilateral T20 series against the UAE this month despite being in a healthy position. Their series defeat against Pakistan has now acted as a final nail in the coffin. 

Following their 57-run defeat to Pakistan in the second T20I, Afghanistan has slipped below Afghanistan and finds itself marginally ahead of Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Scotland, all of whom have defeated Bangladesh at least once in this format.

Current ICC Men's T20I Rankings Points Table (Top 15)

It is safe to conclude that Bangladesh cricket has hit rock bottom. This is one of the lowest points of their cricketing history. The flashes of brilliance in the early 2000s instilled a renewed sense of optimism, and the world hoped to see Bangladesh become a force to reckon with. But decades have gone by, and Bangladesh cricket continues to grapple with issues, both internally and externally.  

In 2024, a student uprising led to the ouster of the country's long-standing president, Sheikh Hasina. In the wake of this unfortunate development, the national cricketing body underwent a phase of turmoil and uncertainty, which has had a direct impact on the team's recent performance. Very recently, BCB also dismissed Faruque Ahmed from the president position as a result of government interference, a move which could lead to the board's temporary suspension by the ICC.

In a bizarre turn of events, the second unofficial Test between Bangladesh and South Africa emerging saw a very ugly incident unfold. The ongoing Test is currently being staged at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Players were involved in a heated on-field clash, which turned out to be physical in nature. The incident came to light during the 107th over of the Bangladeshi innings when Ripon Mondal of Bangladesh reportedly clashed with Innocent Ntuli of South Africa. 

Ripon's defalting six in the first ball of the over did not really sit so well with Ntuli, and that six soon turned into a flashpoint. Enraged by that six, Ntluli barged at Ripon and tried to push him aside. At first, Ripon tried to push him away multiple times, but the South African player persisted with his actions. It soon came down to a point where Ntluli got hold of Ripon's helmet and yanked it, leading to a serious escalation between the two players that also involved physical contact.

See also: BAN vs PAK 1st T20I: Bangladesh’s Probable Playing XI

Although the situation was diffused by the match officials and the surrounding fielders, serious questions have been raised concerning the attitude and the on-field conduct of the players involved. Even though this match does not possess first-class status, the authorities have ensured that disciplinary action is imminent. 

Watch the entire incident:

Tshepo Ntuli did THIS to Ripon Mondol after losing his calm 😮👇🏻#BanEvSAE pic.twitter.com/vt5SAgvfbZ

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) May 28, 2025

Salim Shahed, the appointed match referee for this second unofficial Test, has confirmed that possible measures against the erring players will be discussed, and an official report will be submitted to investigate the incident more broadly. Shahed is currently waiting for the umpire's report to trickle through. Once that is received, both the reports from the referee and the umpires will be presented to the cricket boards of Bangladesh and South Africa.  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is waiting for a green signal from their government for the upcoming tour to Pakistan. According to the original schedule, the five-match T20Is series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will start on May 25 and conclude on June 3. But the situation has changed for the past few days, as Indian and Pakistani armed forces were exchanging heat with each other, which generated a diplomatic tension around the world.

Especially countries near Pakistan and India have to keep an eye on the current situation for any further development. Due to the escalating tension with India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to pause and then reschedule the PSL schedule, which resumes today, and the final match will be held on May 25, the day of the first T20I against Bangladesh. With the clash of contents on the same date, one match needs to be rescheduled; for now, the match against Bangladesh can be transferred to another date. 

ESPNcricinfo stated in their report, "PCB has sent a new schedule for the T20Is between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the first match now slotted for May 27 and the last on June 5." On the other hand, Bangladesh is currently unsure about their visit to Pakistan; they need government clearance before confirming flight tickets to Pakistan.

Read More: BCCI come up with revelations on central contract of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after retirement

"The BCB is not the decision-maker in this matter. If the government agencies and our embassy declare Pakistan safe for travel, only then will we proceed," said Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman Iftekhar Rahman.

Before their series against Pakistan, Bangladesh will have to face United Arab Emirates in a 2-match T20I series starting from May 17. 

The official schedule for Bangladesh vs UAE and Pakistan: 

1st match: UAE vs BAN, Sat, 17 May '25, Sharjah. 

2nd match: UAE vs BAN, Mon, 19 May '25, Sharjah.

PAK vs BAN T20I series schedule:

1st match: PAK vs BAN, Sun, 25 May '25, Faisalabad.

2nd match: PAK vs BAN, Tue, 27 May '25, Faisalabad.

3rd match: PAK vs BAN, Fri, 30 May '25, Lahore. 

4th match: PAK vs BAN, Sun, 01 Jun '25, Lahore.

5th match: PAK vs BAN, Tue, 03 Jun '25, Lahore. 

With tensions between India and Pakistan rising after the Pahalgam terror attack, it is now very likely that the 2025 Asia Cup will be cancelled. The strained diplomatic relations now severely jeopardise the future of the tournament. The deadly attack, which caused the death of a reported 26 civilians, worsened already-strained bilateral relations between these two countries. Now the terror attack has caught the attention of the world, and with constituents drawing borders down the line of each country's relationship histories, the question of whether or not the Asia Cup is a viable event becomes incredibly sensitive, as both countries are scheduled to participate in the Asia Regional Cup.

In an immediate response to the Pahalgam attack and its ramifications towards Pakistan, the government of India instituted immediate acts of diplomacy. The government of India was one of the first to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which was a long-standing agreement with regards to water-sharing between the two countries; and once this was completed, it then stopped all visa services for Pakistan nationals. The turning of hearts and minds, the seriousness of the government regarding cross-border terrorism towards the sub-continent, was already in clear perspective.

With the apparent crackdown, a group of Pakistani citizens living in India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) were ordered to leave within 48 hours of the terror attack, and there was a fresh restriction on the travel for Pakistani nationals to enter India (under the VISA exemption scheme). The diplomatic action that followed calls into serious question whether or not the Asia Cup can actually go ahead - and in the broader context, what about the future of regional sporting events involving both India and Pakistan peacefully co-existing?

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India and Pakistan last played in the Champions Trophy 2025

The strained relationship between India and Pakistan continues to impact cricket significantly. The two nations haven’t played a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season, and their last Test series dates back to 2007. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, despite Pakistan being the official host of the Champions Trophy, India played all their matches in the UAE. Since bilateral cricket was suspended, the two sides have only clashed in ICC events and Asia Cups.

Their most recent encounter was in the Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious and went on to win the tournament. However, given the ongoing political tensions, another India-Pakistan face-off in this year’s Asia Cup now seems very unlikely.

Bangladeshi cricketer Legend Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match on March 24, 2025, and is currently in critical condition. While playing for Mohommedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club, he collapsed shortly after the coin toss. At 36 years old, he has already retired from international cricket earlier this year.

He received on-field treatment before being taken to Fazilatunnesa Hospital in Savar. When he first arrived, the doctors thought it could be a minor heart complication, but that has since escalated into an emergency angioplasty to unclog arteries.

Tamim is reportedly on life support as per the Chief Medical Officer of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB), Debashis Chowdhury. Although he has had some improvement in heart function, initial reports suggested he had regained consciousness and was showing signs of recovery; there is still great concern for his life. Fans have taken to social media to express their concern while pouring in prayers and well wishes. 

The way doctors saved cricketer Tamim Iqbal's life today by the will of Allah(SWT) was unnbelievable!

22 minutes of CPR.
3 DC shocks.
Then immediate stenting.

Thank you Dr. Moniruzzaman Maruf vai & his cardiac team for the immediate action. pic.twitter.com/0NkA1Vr1hs

— Dr. Rashed Jalil 🇧🇩 (@gemrashed) March 24, 2025

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Tamim Iqbal has not been declared dead, despite widespread fake rumors. He remains on life support after suffering a sudden massive heart attack, and now doctors are monitoring his critical condition.

Bangladesh owes part of its cricketing history to Tamim Iqbal, who has been successful at the international level, where he amassed over 15,000 international runs across all formats. He was the first Bangladeshi player to score a century in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and made a major contribution to the team's growth in the world of cricket.

Confusions have been spread across social media that he has died, but the official sources are not giving any information. He is monitored by doctors, and no data about his condition is made public until the situation gets better.

Bangladeshi cricketer Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a remarkable 17-year journey. Mahmudullah shared the news on social media on Wednesday, thanking his teammates, coaches, family, and fans for their support.  

"I have decided to retire from international cricket," Mahmudullah wrote. "I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, and especially my fans who have always been there for me. A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws especially my father-in-law and my brother Emdad Ullah, who has guided me as a coach and mentor since childhood."  

He also expressed his gratitude to his wife and children. "And finally, a special thanks to my wife and kids, who have always stood by me. I know Raeid will miss seeing me in the red and green jersey. Not everything ends perfectly, but life goes on. PEACE… Wishing the best for my team and Bangladesh cricket," he concluded.

🚨 Mahmudullah retires from international cricket

Having already retired from Tests in 2021 and T20Is in 2024, he has now called time on his career in ODIs as well 👏

What were your favourite moments of his career?#mahmudullah #bangladeshcricket #retirement pic.twitter.com/diDt2msd5N

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 12, 2025

Mahmudullah’s retirement is the end of an era for Bangladeshi cricket. He played 239 ODIs, 50 Tests, and 141 T20Is, earning a name as one of the team’s most reliable and hardworking players for Bangladesh. He is also the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score three centuries in ODI World Cups two in 2015 and one in 2023.  

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Earlier, Mahmudullah told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he did not want to be part of the central contract after February 2025, showing that he was thinking about his future in cricket. His retirement comes soon after Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently quit ODIs following criticism after the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh cricket icon Mushfiqur Rahim has officially retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) at the culmination of a 19-year-long career. His retirement comes after Bangladesh's disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, during which the team was unable to win even a single match.

As one of the most consistent wicketkeeper-batters of Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim's ODI retirement is a landmark moment in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Let us see how he progressed, what all he achieved, and what is in store for the cricketing icon.

Official Retirement Statement : 
"I have always given my 100% for Bangladesh cricket. It has been an incredible journey, and I am thankful for all the love and support throughout my career.”

Also See: BCCI Has Regulated Strict New Rules To Be Followed In IPL 2025

Mushfiqur Rahim's ODI Career Summary

• ODI Debut: 2005
• Number of Matches Played: 274
• Runs: 7,795
• Batting Average: 36.42
• Centuries/Half-Centuries: 9 / 49
• Dismissals as Wicketkeeper: 243 catches, 56 stumpings

His persistent performances enabled Bangladesh to shift from being a marginal player to an international cricket rival.

The Rise of Mushfiqur Rahim in ODI Cricket

Early Life and Breakthrough:

Mushfiqur played his first ODI in 2005 at a young and promising wicketkeeper-batter. Though he began as an underdog, his perseverance and dedication soon transformed him into one of Bangladesh's most reliable cricketers.

Becoming Bangladesh's Middle-Order Pillar:

By the early 2010s, Mushfiqur Rahim established himself as one of the middle-order pillars of the team. His calmness under pressure and match-winning innings made him a vital component of the side.

Career Highlights and Memorable Performances

2.1 Historic Innings:

Mushfiqur Rahim's performances in important games assisted Bangladesh in attaining historic wins. Some of his finest innings are:

• 144 against Sri Lanka (2018 Asia Cup) – A match-winning knock that took Bangladesh to victory.
• 117 against India (2014 Asia Cup) – A spirited century against an Indian world-class bowling lineup.
• 98 against South Africa (2017 Champions Trophy)* – An innings that helped Bangladesh reach the semi-finals.

Key Role in Bangladesh's Rise:

With the likes of stars Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur contributed immensely to developing Bangladesh cricket into a strong international team.

Mushfiqur Rahim's Legacy: End of an Era in Bangladesh Cricket

Mushfiqur Rahim's ODI retirement closes the chapter for Bangladesh cricket. His perseverance, determination, and leadership have made an indelible impression on the sport. As Bangladesh moves forward, his legacy will always motivate future cricketers.

Also See: BCCI Has Regulated Strict New Rules To Be Followed In IPL 2025

Bangladesh Unveil 15-Man ICC Champions Trophy Squad Without Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh recently revealed the 15 players who will compete in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, but the really big news is that Shakib Al Hasan won't be part of the team. Shakib, a 37-year-old star who's played a very big part in Bangladesh cricket, can't bowl in any competitions run by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This came after a special check at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai said so. Even though Shakib can't play, Bangladesh's team is still hopeful about doing well in the tournament.

Leadership and Key Players

The Tigers are trying to obtain their very first Champions Trophy win, and now, Nazmul Hossain Shanto is in charge as their captain. Their last performance in 2017 was quite nice since they made it to the semi-finals, so they want to do better now. Without Shakib around and Tamim Iqbal, who used to obtain many runs but has just retired, not playing anymore, the team is feeling that gap at the top—but they're not very concerned because they've gotten Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah who've been through a substantial portion of matches, ready to take on more responsibility and help the team stay organized.

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Bangladesh Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025#BCB #Cricket #ChampionsTrophy #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/GtO9UtNihp

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 12, 2025

Exciting Newcomers

Parvez Hossain Emon and Nahid Rana, who are both up-and-coming players, are part of the team too. Emon, who is very good at hitting the ball with a lot of force and is a leftie batter, secured his location in the team because he played well in T20Is. Rana is a new fast bowler who did great in his first ODI game against the West Indies, and he adds some new skills to the team's bowling.

These new players are thought to assist the veteran players by adding fresh excitement and a fresh appearance to the group.

Overcoming Setbacks

Not having Shakib and Tamim around is a major problem for the team. But, it's also a chance for new players to demonstrate their skills in important games. The team has an interesting combination of experienced players and fresh faces, which makes them able to shock their opponents.

Bangladesh is unfathomably determined to do better than last time when they got to the semi-finals in 2017. They truly wish to win the major trophy this year. Rahim and Mahmudullah, who've been around and know what they're doing, are vitally important because all the team members are relying on them to get the team through the tough spots. The team has got an interesting combination of experienced players, very good players, and they will keep trying hard, which is why Bangladesh should do pretty well in the Champions Trophy this year. Despite missing two key players, the team’s focus remains unwavering as they embark on their quest for cricketing glory.

Bangladesh Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage Fixtures:

• 20 February: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
• 24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
• 27 February: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

Bangladesh's Champions Trophy Squad

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Litton Das as the skipper for the upcoming three-match T20I series for the first time since 2021. The wicket-batter has previously captained his side in the absence of Mahmudullah on the tour of New Zealand in April 2021. The Test side was captained by Mehidy Hasan Miraz under whom Bangladesh managed to level the series by ending a 15-year-long drought. At present, he is also leading the Tigers in the ongoing ODI series which has already been decided in the favor of West Indies.

See also: WTC qualification scenarios for top four teams teams

Shamim Hossain and Ripon Mondol return to the grand scheme of things

Batting allrounder Shamim Hossain, who last featured in an international fixture in December 2023 in New Zealand gets a call-up ahead of the series. Shamim, aged 24, has participated in the format but has not yet achieved significant success. Over the course of 14 T20I innings, he has accumulated 254 runs with a strike rate of 115.98, and his highest score stands at 51, which is also his sole half-century.

Besides, the 21-year-old right-arm medium-pace bowler Ripon Mondol also makes his way into the T20I squad. The quick has played three T20Is in October 2023, all at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he picked up four wickets as Bangladesh finished third. Apart from Shamim and Mondal, Bangladesh drafted their start pacer Hasan Mahmud along with spinner Nasum Ahmed and top-order batter Soumya Sarkar, all of whom starred in the recently concluded GSA T20 tournament helping Rangpur Riders clinch their maiden title. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the regular captain for all formats, remains absent as he is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained during the series against Afghanistan in November. Additionally, there has been no information regarding Shakib Al Hasan's availability or his future in international cricket.

Bangladesh squad for the T20I series against West Indies

Litton Das (capt), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Ripon Mondol

The young Bangladesh U-19 side conquered yet another milestone in their promising cricketing history this Sunday by beating the tournament favorites India U-19 by 59 runs. The young Tigers prevailed in a low-scoring thriller which had all the viewers on the edge of their seats. 

This is also Bangladesh U-19's second U-19 Asia Cup title win and the young side would be mighty proud of achieving such a monumental feat against a quality India U-19 side. It was a horror show for India this Sunday as not only their young team but also their men's and women's team suffered horrific defeats at the hands of Australians down under.

Bangladesh's road to glory in the Asia Cup Final

After winning the toss, the Indian U-19 skipper inserted Bangladesh U-19 to have a bat first. The India U-19 bowlers made early inroads with the ball as Yudhajit Guha cleaned up Bangladesh opener Kalam Siddiki relatively early for 1. Zawad Abrar offered some resistance with the bat and chipped in with a useful 20 before being removed by Chetan Sharma. 

Further on, Guha's resilience with the ball helped India to assert their authority further as the Bangladeshi skipper Azizul Hakim was removed in the 19th over causing Bangladesh to slip to 66-3. 

Mohammad Shihab James and Rizan Hossan then stitched a 62-run stand for the fourth wicket to add life to the Bangladesh innings, but wickets in quick succession pegged back their hard-earned momentum. The Indian bowlers made a strong comeback during the middle overs which triggered a collapse as Bangladesh went from 128-3 to 167-8 and subsequently got bowled out for 198 thanks to a gutsy 30-run stand between Farid Hasan and Maruf Mridha.

The winning moment for the young Tigers

Bangladesh U19 players bring the dressing room alive after clinching the ACC Men’s Asia Cup trophy | #BCB #Cricket #ACC #ACCMensU19AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/06Phg5gsya

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) December 8, 2024

In response to Bangladesh 198, India U-19 failed to get going in the run chase. Mhatre and the 13-year-old overhyped Vaibhav Suryavanshi perished in the first five overs of the run chase. And soon enough Andre Siddharth became the next Indian victim as India U-19 found themselves precariously placed at 44-3 within 12 overs. 

But it all came down to some destructive bowling from Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim who snapped three wickets each to derail India U-19 off course in this run chase. The duo unleashed their terror on the Indian batters and breached the Indian middle order in no time. Despite facing some resistance from Hardik and Chetan down the order, the game was firmly in their grasp.

Azizul applied the finishing touches by picking up the last Indian wicket to power Bangladesh U-19 to a euphoric 59-run win in Dubai. Emon registered figures of 3-24 in his 7 overs while Azizul recorded 3-8 in just 2.2 overs. 

Despite their men's team not being at their prime best, Bangladesh's youth have a lot of untapped potential. Time and again, their youngsters have shown tremendous promise and grit to excel in major ICC and ACC tournaments. 

Bangladesh U-19 side are the proud title winner of the 2020 U-19 World Cup as well as the 2023 and 2024 Asia Cup editions. With so much talent at their disposal, the senior management in BCB need to have a robust plan in place to nurture such talent and make them battle-ready to compete at the highest level. 

See also: Bangladesh create history in Sabina Park, Register their maiden Test win in the Caribbean since 2009