Bangladesh national cricket team

History

20th century

Several East Pakistan-based teams played in Pakistani domestic cricket prior to Bangladesh's declaration of independence in 1971—the East Pakistan cricket team fielded three players who later played ICC Trophy matches. In 1977, Bangladesh became an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Bangladesh was one of fifteen teams to take part in the inaugural ICC Trophy. Bangladesh, under the captaincy of Raqibul Hasan, won two matches and lost two, but failed to progress beyond the first round. Victory in the South-East Asian Cricket Conference Tournament in February 1984 ensured Bangladesh qualified for the 1986 Asia Cup. On 31 March 1986, Bangladesh played their first One Day International against a full member of the ICC.

Captained by Jayampathi Wickramarathne, Bangladesh was dismissed for 94 runs, and Pakistan reached their target for victory with seven wickets in hand. They lost their second ODI, which was against Sri Lanka, finishing last in the three-team tournament. Bangladesh qualified for the 1988 Asia Cup, this time hosting the tournament; it was the first time ODIs had been staged in the country. Although they lost all their matches, Bangladesh's fixtures were retrospectively awarded ODI. Floods in the preceding months meant the tournament was in doubt, but it went ahead as planned. A charity match raised $70,000 for the flood victims.

Bangladesh took part in the 1990 Austral-Asia Cup, the Asia Cup in 1990–91, 1995, 1997, and several other triangular tournaments. Still, it was not until 1998 that they won their first ODI. Their 22-match losing streak since their first ODI was at the time a record.

Bangladesh posted its first ODI win against Kenya, in India, thanks largely to Mohammad Rafique, who contributed a fiery 77 runs and took 3 wickets. He put on 137 for the first wicket with Athar Ali Khan, whose own contribution was 47.

In October 1998, Bangladesh hosted (but did not participate in) the first ICC KnockOut Trophy ever held, a knock-out ODI tournament featuring all the test-playing nations.

Bangladesh took part in each of the 1979, 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994 editions of the ICC Trophy, and won the trophy in 1997, in the process qualifying for the 1999 World Cup. The general secretary of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Aminul Huq Moni, took the initiative to install Astro Turf in Abahani Cricket Ground and Bangabandhu National Stadium so that the local players had two full seasons to prepare on the type of pitch they would be playing in ICC Trophy in 1997. Bangladesh also became a regular ICC member with the right to play ODIs and started hosting bilateral and triangular ODI tournaments. Earlier, in February, Dhaka hosted the third and final SAARC cricket tournament. Bangladesh played in its first World Cup in England in 1999 and recorded its first win in a World Cup match against Scotland. Later on, Bangladesh created an enormous upset by beating Pakistan by 62 runs in the group match at Northampton. Bangladesh made 9/223 from its full 50 overs, and in reply, Pakistan could only manage 161 due to timely run-outs by wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud and some tight bowling by Khaled Mahmud, who took 3/31 from 10 overs. Mahmud was judged the man of the match. Bangladesh did not qualify for the Super Six round due to defeats in three of its five matches. However, the win over Pakistan, who finished runners-up to Australia, helped Bangladesh to gain test-playing status the following year. Bangladesh had sacked coach Gordon Greenidge, who had steered the team through the 1997 ICC Trophy and into the 1999 World Cup on the morning of the match.

First years as a Test team (2000–2003)

On 13 November 2000, Bangladesh played their inaugural Test match, hosting India in Dhaka.

The first Test run in the history of Bangladesh Cricket came from the bat of Mehrab Hossain, who also scored the first ODI hundred by an individual player for Bangladesh in 1999. Captained by Naimur Rahman, Bangladesh lost by nine wickets, although Wisden noted that they "surpassed all expectations by matching their neighbours, and at times, even enjoying the upper hand". Aminul Islam Bulbul scored 145 in the first innings, becoming the third person to have scored a century in their team's first Test; Rahman took 6 wickets for 132 runs, the second-best bowling figures in a country's maiden Test. In March 2001, former Australian Test cricketer Trevor Chappell was appointed coach. The following month, Bangladesh embarked on a tour of Zimbabwe to play two Tests and three ODIs. Zimbabwe, who at the time were ranked ninth out of the ten Test teams, won all five matches.

Bangladesh took part in the 2001–02 Asian Test Championship, the second and final time the championship was held and the first the team had been eligible to play in. They lost both their matches by an innings. Mohammad Ashraful made his debut in the series and became the youngest player to score a Test century in his first match.

In November, Bangladesh hosted Zimbabwe for two Tests and three ODIs. The opening Test was curtailed by bad weather and ended in a draw; after losing their first five Tests, it was the first time Bangladesh had avoided defeat. Zimbabwe won all the remaining matches. After the Test series wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud replaced Rahman as captain. The following month Bangladesh toured New Zealand for two Test matches. Bangladesh's batsmen struggled in unfamiliar conditions and the team slumped to two innings defeats.

In January 2002, Bangladesh hosted Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs where Bangladesh lost all the matches. At this point, they had lost ten of their first eleven Tests; only South Africa had struggled as much in their introduction to Test cricket, also losing ten of their first eleven matches. Chappell blamed Bangladesh's batsmen for the loss, saying "they commit the same mistakes again and again, and need to learn to apply themselves, to bat in sessions". In April, former Pakistan Test cricketer Mohsin Kamal replaced Chappell as coach. When Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka in July and August they were on the receiving end of Sri Lanka's largest margin of victory in Test cricket: an innings and 196 runs. Bangladesh lost both Tests and all three ODIs on the tour, recording their 50th defeat in 53 ODIs. Repeated poor performances prompted people to question whether Bangladesh had been granted Test status too soon.

Under Dav Whatmore (2003–2007)

Bangladesh played two Tests and three ODI matches on a mid-year tour of Australia in 2003.They lost every single match on that tour.

In August 2003, Bangladesh toured Pakistan to play three Tests and five ODIs matches. This was Bangladesh's second tour to Pakistan, with the first occurring in 2001–02, when the teams played one Test match. Both series ended in whitewash, with Pakistan winning the Test series 3 – 0 and the ODI series 5 – 0.

In the first Test match of that series, Alok Kapali became the first Bangladesh player to take a hat-trick in Test cricket, dismissing Shabbir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, and Umar Gul. However, in the third Test match of that series, Bangladesh came very close to its first Test victory, when it lost to Pakistan by only one wicket. It was just the tenth time in Test history that a team had lost by a single wicket.

In September–October 2003, England played 2 Tests and 3 ODIs against Bangladesh. England won both the Test matches and won all three ODIs by 7 wickets. Bangladesh's captain, Mahmud, was booed. Ahead of Bangladesh's tour of Zimbabwe in February and March the next year, he was dropped from the squad and batsman Habibul Bashar was granted the captaincy. At the time, Zimbabwe were without many of their senior players. Bangladesh lost the Test series 1–0, and the ODI series 2–1. The second Test was drawn after 3 days of no play due to heavy rains and brought an end to their run of 21 consecutive defeats dating back to November 2001, a world record in Test cricket. The solitary ODI victory was Bangladesh's first international win since defeating Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup.

Bangladesh's next matches were against the West Indies in May and June. Bangladesh lost the ODI series 3–0 and the Test series 1–0; by securing a hard-fought draw in the first match, Bangladesh managed to avoid defeat for just the third time in 29 Tests. Bangladesh participated in 2004 Asia Cup and 2004 ICC Champions Trophy winning only one match against Hong Kong. In the following months, Bangladesh suffered heavy defeats in Tests and in ODIs against touring New Zealand and India. However, in December,

India toured Bangladesh in December 2004. In 2nd ODI of the series, Bangladesh defeated India in its hundredth ODI, this being only the third time that it had won against a Test playing nation.

Under Shaun Williams (2007)

BCB appointed their Under-19 coach Shaun Williams as Bangladesh's interim coach until they find Whatmore's long-term successor. Mohammad Ashraful was appointed Test & ODI captain in June 2007. Ashraful's first series in charge was a tour of Sri Lanka in June and July. Bangladesh suffered heavy defeats in each of the three Tests; losing by an inning on every occasion, and three ODIs. In the first innings of the second Test, Bangladesh was bundled out for their lowest total (62) at that time.

Before the World T20, Bangladesh played two T20Is in Kenya. Here, they enjoyed victory over Kenya, but lost to Pakistan. South Africa hosted the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in September. Bangladesh defeated the West Indies at the group stage to progress to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. However, it was the only match they won in the tournament, losing next four matches. During the Super 8 match against Bangladesh, Australian fast bowler Brett Lee took the first Twenty20 International (T20I) hat-trick ever achieved.

Under Jamie Siddons (2007–2011)

In late October, BCB appointed Jamie Siddons, an Australian cricketer, as their head coach. At the end of 2007, Bangladesh toured New Zealand. They were soundly beaten 3–0 in the one-dayers. Bangladesh started the new year with the Test leg of the tour. These matches were also one-sided, where Bangladesh lost the series 2–0.

In February–March 2008, South Africa clean-swept Bangladesh across formats. The tour included two Tests and three ODIs. However, in the 1st Test, Bangladesh secured a first innings lead of 22 runs after restricting South Africa for 170.

Bangladesh then defeated non-Test-playing Ireland 3–0 in an ODI series at home in the same month, ending a run of 14 losses.

Pakistan hosted Bangladesh for 5 ODIs and a T20I in April. It was a miserable tour for Bangladesh where they lost all games.

Bangladesh lost both first-round games against Pakistan and India at a triangular ODI tournament held in Bangladesh in June.

At the 2008 Asia Cup held in Pakistan, Bangladesh won their first group stage game against associate UAE. Even though they lost to Sri Lanka in the next group stage match, Bangladesh reached the super four stage, before losing the next three games against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

They were later got whitewashed 0–3 in the ODIs during their tour to Australia in August–September.

In October, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for three ODIs and two Tests. Shortly before the tour, fourteen Bangladesh players left to play in the Indian Cricket League and were subsequently banned for ten years. Six of the players were centrally contracted, including former captain Habibul Bashar. With a less experienced team than usual and a poor record against New Zealand, Bangladesh was expected to lose heavily. After winning the opening ODI (their first ODI victory ever over New Zealand), Bangladesh went on to lose the series 2–1. New Zealand won the first Test by three wickets in what their coach, John Bracewell, described as "one of the great character wins". The second Test ended up in a rain curtailed draw, sealing the series victory for New Zealand (1–0). But in the process Shakib Al Hasan emerged as an all-rounder. Having previously been selected primarily as a batsman, he went on to take the best bowling figures in an innings for a Bangladesh player, 7 wickets for 36 runs, beating the record set by Enamul Haque Jr three years earlier.

Under Stuart Law (2011–2012)

A lengthy hunt for a head coach, followed Siddons' exit encountering the names of Vincent Barnes and Stuart Law as possible appointees. Law, who at the time was the interim head coach of Sri Lanka following Trevor Bayliss' departure, was named Bangladesh's new head coach starting from 1 July 2011.

Bangladesh toured Zimbabwe in August 2011 for a one-off Test and five ODIs. The Test marked Zimbabwe's return to the longest-format of the game, after a self-imposed withdrawal in January 2006 as the sport in the country was in a state of disarray. Bangladesh lost the match by 130 runs. Though they were expected to do well with the Test and the ODIs, Bangladesh lost the subsequent one-day series 3–2. In the aftermath of the series, captain Shakib Al Hasan and vice captain Tamim Iqbal were sacked from their leadership roles, with a BCB representative citing their poor leadership. Later that month, wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim was named captain, with all-rounder Mahmudullah as his deputy.

Bangladesh's struggles at the international level have been epitomised by the ineffectiveness of their fast bowlers. Between January 2010 and August 2011, they took 37 wickets in 8 Tests at an average of 67.67, the worst out of the nine teams playing regular Test cricket in this period.

Though Bangladesh won Rahim's first match in charge, the only T20I against West Indies at home in October, the team lost the subsequent ODI series 2–1 and the two-match Test series 1–0.

Pakistan toured in December, and during the first of three ODIs Bangladesh were dismissed for their 13th score of less than 100 in the format, overtaking Zimbabwe's record of 12 times. Bangladesh got whitewashed comprehensively across formats, 0–1 (T20I), 0–3 (ODIs) and 0–2 (Tests).

In March Bangladesh hosted in the 2012 Asia Cup featuring India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh entered the tournament with just two wins from 29 Asia Cup matches. Victories against India and Sri Lanka saw Bangladesh face Pakistan in the final, only the second time the team had reached the final of a multi-national competition. Though Pakistan won the final by two runs, Bangladesh had exceeded expectations. During the tournament, Tamim Iqbal became the first Bangladeshi player to score four consecutive fifties in ODIs. Shakib Al Hasan was named man of the series after contributing with both the bat and the ball, making 237 runs and taking 6 wickets respectively.

Under Richard Pybus (2012)

In May 2012 Bangladesh appointed England born Richard Pybus as their new head coach for two-years, replacing Stuart Law who stepped down from the post in April.

In July, Bangladesh toured Ireland and Netherlands. Bangladesh clean swept the three-match T20I series becoming no. 4 in T20I rankings surpassing Pakistan and Australia. In the same month, Bangladesh lost a T20I against Scotland and shared the two-match T20I series against Netherlands by 1–1.

Bangladesh crashed out of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 by losing to New Zealand and Pakistan in the first round.

After only four months at the helm, Pybus notified the BCB of his unwillingness to continue due to issues with his contract and interference from administration. Under him Bangladesh won 4 T20Is (in 8).

Under Shane Jurgensen (2012–2014)

The team's bowling coach and Australian Shane Jurgensen was appointed as the interim Bangladesh coach for the series against West Indies at home in November–December 2012. The home team lost the two Tests, but won the ODI series 3–2, before losing the only T20I.

In February 2013, BCB announced that Jurgensen will continue as Bangladesh's head coach for the rest of the year.

Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka in March 2013 for a full series. In the 1st Test at Galle Mushfiqur Rahim scored the first double century for Bangladesh in test cricket, and Mohammad Ashraful chipped in with a handy 190. They were able to draw the 1st Test against Sri Lanka, the first time ever against the island nation.

Sri Lanka won the 2nd Test by 7 wickets and the two match test series 1–0. The three match ODI series was shared 1–1 since the 2nd ODI being washed out. Bangladesh lost the only T20I too.

Then they toured Zimbabwe from April–May. Bangladesh lost the 1st Test by 335 runs, which marked Zimbabwe's biggest win. Later they won the 2nd Test by 173 runs to share the series with Zimbabwe (1–1). Bangladesh lost the ODI series (1–2) before sharing the T20I series (1–1).

Later in October–November 2013, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a full series. Bangladesh achieved a new feat sharing the two-match test series (0–0) on home soil against New Zealand, the first against the country.

This was followed by 3–0 series whitewash win for Bangladesh in ODIs, before losing the only T20I.

Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh for full series from January–February 2014. Bangladesh slip to their fourth-heaviest defeat in their Test history after losing the 1st Test by an innings and 248 runs. The 2nd test was a high scoring draw and Bangladesh lost the series (0–1). Later they got whitewashed in the T20I (0–2) and the ODI (0–3) series.

Under Chandika Hathurusingha (2014–2017)

The BCB appointed Chandika Hathurusingha, a former Sri Lanka batsman, as Bangladesh's head coach for a two-year period.

The first series under the new coach was against India at home. Bangladesh lost the first & second ODI comprehensively and the 3rd was washed out and lost the series 2–0.

In August 2014, Bangladesh toured West Indies for a full series. West Indies beat Bangladesh 3–0 in the ODI series extending Bangladesh's win-less ODI run for 13 matches. In the 2nd ODI Bangladesh was bundled out for 70 which is the 3rd lowest total for Bangladesh. Bangladesh lost the match by 177 Runs. Only the T20I match was abandoned. Further, West Indies white-washed Bangladesh in the Test series 2–0, defeating Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the 1st Test and by 296 runs in the 2nd Test respectively.

Bangladesh finally emerged victorious during the Zimbabwe tour in Bangladesh whitewashing the visitors 3–0 during the Test series. Bangladesh claimed No. 9 ranking with the series victory pushing Zimbabwe to No. 10. In the ODI series, Bangladesh whitewashed Zimbabwe 5–0.

At the turn of the new year, Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan emerged as the number one all-rounder in all formats of the game. This was the first time that any player ever achieved such a feat, after the ICC introduced ranking system.

During the group stage of the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan in their first game where Shakib Al Hasan became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach 4,000 ODI runs and their next match against Australia was Washed Out. They lost their next game to Sri Lanka by 92 runs. Following that, they achieved their highest successful run-chase in an ODI, when they chased down Scotland's 318, Bangladesh later qualified for the second quarterfinal in the 2015 world cup, by defeating England. At the second quarter-final, India comprehensively defeated Bangladesh by 109 runs, knocking them out of the 2015 World Cup. After a successful World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter final for the first time, the whole team was given a grand reception at the airport on 22 March.

Under Richard Halsall (2018)

BCB chairman announced that their assistant coach Richard Halsall, will be in charge of coaching the team ahead of the Tri-nation ODI series held in January 2018 at home. Convincing wins against low ranked opponents, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, in the first three group games saw Bangladesh reach the finals. Bangladesh recorded their biggest win in ODI cricket (won by 163 runs) against Sri Lanka during the process. However Bangladesh were bowled out for 82 (which was their ninth-lowest ODI total) and lost by 10 wickets in the last group game against Sri Lanka. They met Sri Lanka in the finals and lost the match by 79 runs, extending their win-less run in tournament finals. The 1st Test against Sri Lanka was a high scoring draw. Later, Bangladesh lost the 2nd Test by 215 runs inside 3 days, conceding the Test series 1–0. Bangladesh also lost the T20I series 2–0.

Under Courtney Walsh (2018)

Courtney Walsh acted as the interim coach for 2018 Nidahas Trophy, a triangular T20I series held in Sri Lanka in March. Bangladesh lost the tournament final against India, after reaching there defeating Sri Lanka twice in group matches.

On 1 May 2018, Bangladesh broke into the top eight of the Test rankings for the first time, as a result of the ICC's annual update to the rankings.

Bangladesh got whitewashed in a 3 match T20I series against Afghanistan in India, losing their matches by 45 runs, by 6 wickets and by 1 run respectively. This recorded Bangladesh's first T20I match loss ever and their first T20I series loss against Afghans as well.

Under Steve Rhodes (2018–2019)

BCB appointed former England wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes the Bangladesh head coach in early March ahead of West Indies tour.

Bangladesh hit an all-time low when they were dismissed for 43 (their lowest score in Tests) during the 1st Test against West Indies at North Sound and eventually lost the test by an innings and 219 runs. Later Bangladesh lost the 2nd Test by 166 runs and lost the series 2–0. Later they performed well in limited overs formats and eventually ended up the tour by winning the three match ODI and T20I series by 2–1 margin each.

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup 2018 campaign with a win over Sri Lanka by 137 runs, which was their biggest win, by runs in ODIs away from home. Even though they faced a heavy loss in their next match at group stage against Afghanistan, (lost by 136 runs – Bangladesh's biggest loss, by runs in ODIs against Afghanistan), they have progressed to the Super Four stage. Bangladesh lost to India by 7 wickets, narrowly won against Afghanistan by 3 runs and defeated Pakistan by 37 runs at the Super Four stage to reach the Final of the Asia Cup. At the Final, they lost to India by 3 wickets, extending their win-less record in tournament Finals.

In October–November, Bangladesh hosted a three-match ODI and two-match test series against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh won the ODI series 3–0 while they drew the test series 1–1, losing the first test of the series at Sylhet which was the inaugural test of the venue.

West Indies toured Bangladesh for a full series in November–December. Bangladesh won the 2 match test series 2–0. By defeating West Indies in the 2nd test by an innings and 184 runs, Bangladesh recorded their first innings victory in Test cricket. Bangladesh also won the 3 match ODI series by 2–1 margin. But lost the T20I series by 2–1 margin.

Bangladesh toured New Zealand in February–March 2019. Bangladesh got whitewashed in the 3 match ODI series. Bangladesh lost the first Test at Hamilton by an innings and 52 runs. Later they have lost the second Test at Wellington by an innings and 12 runs even after the first two days play were abandoned due to rain. The third test was canceled following the Christchurch mosque shootings, which the team narrowly escaped.

Under Khaled Mahmud (2019)

Khaled Mahmud, who played for Bangladesh in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, was subsequently appointed as interim coach after Steve Rhodes's contract being terminated. His first assignment in charge was Bangladesh's three-match ODI tour of Sri Lanka, from 26 to 31 July 2019, which Bangladesh received a whitewash losing the series 0–3.

Under Russell Domingo (2019–2022)

BCB appointed Russell Domingo as the head coach for the national team for a 2-year contract on 17 August 2019.

In his first assignment as coach Bangladesh lost to Afghanistan in one-off Test match at Chittagong in September 2019. But in the tri-series, comprising Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, Bangladesh reached to final winning 3 of their 4 group matches. But the final match with Afghanistan was washed away and two teams shared the trophy.

Bangladesh then toured India in October–November to play 3 T20Is and 2 Test matches. Bangladesh started their World Test Championship campaign with this Test series. Just before few days of the tour Bangladesh's regular Test and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan was banned for 2 years by ICC after accepting three charges under ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Subsequently, Mominul Haque was given the charge of Test captaincy and Mahmudullah as T20I captain. Bangladesh won the first match of the tour, the first T20I at Delhi by 7 wickets and lost the remaining 2 matches by 8 wickets and 30 runs respectively losing the series 1–2.

Bangladesh lost both Test matches by an innings margin, as their batsmen failed to capitalize. Whereas the second Test was the first-ever Day/night Test match played by both teams.

In January and February 2020, Bangladesh toured Pakistan to play one Test match and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Pakistan won the T20I series by 2–0, with the third match abandoned due to rain. The Test match was played as part of the inaugural 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh lost the Test by an innings and 44 runs.

In February 2020, Zimbabwe toured Bangladesh to play one Test, three ODI and two T20I matches. Bangladesh won the one-off Test match by an innings and 106 runs, which was Bangladesh's first Test win since Domingo took charge as the head coach of the team as well as it was their only second Test match win by an innings margin.

Ahead of the tour, the BCB announced that it would be Mashrafe Mortaza's last series as captain of the ODI team. Prior to the third ODI, Mortaza confirmed that he would be stepping down as Bangladesh's ODI captain after the series. Bangladesh won the ODI series 3–0, with Mortaza recording his 50th win in an ODI match as captain with victory in the third match.

2022 Asian Games and 2023 WC

Bangladesh participated in the 2022 Asian Games in 2023 in China.

On 20 October 2023, Bangladesh played against Pakistan in the 3rd place decided in Asian Games which they won by 6 wicket in Hangzou in DLS method to win bronze medal. On the same day, Bangladesh played against Afghanistan in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Dharmashala which they won by 7 wickets. As a result of these, they became only the 2nd (After Pakistan) team in history to play two different international matches with different XIs on the same day in different venues and first team to win both matches.

The Kiwis toured Bangladesh for 3 ODIs and 2 test matches. In ODI series, the first ODI was abandoned due to rain, while Bangladesh lost the second and third ODIs by 86 runs and 7 wickets, respectively.

In the first test match, Bangladesh achieved a historic victory over New Zealand by 150 runs. Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a classy 86 in the first innings, while Najmul Hossain Shanto made a splendid hundred in the second innings. Additionally, Taijul Islam took 10 wickets in the match, earning him the 'Man of the Match' title. This win marked Bangladesh's first-ever victory over New Zealand in a test match held in Bangladesh. However, in the second test, Bangladesh lost by 4 wickets.

In July 2025, on the 3rd T20I of the T20I series, Bangladesh won by 8 wickets, 1st T20I series win against Sri Lanka and 1st series win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and Litton become 1st Bangladeshi captain to win two T20I series at away.

Home T20I series vs Pakistan

On 22 July, on the 2nd T20I, Bangladesh won by 8 runs and won T20I series, 1st time of 3-match series against Pakistan.

Withdrawal from 2026 Men's T20 World Cup

Bangladesh has qualified for every Men's T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. However, despite also qualifying for the 2026 edition, held in India and Sri Lanka, via qualifying for the Super 8 stage in 2024, Bangladesh would ultimately withdraw from the tournament, after requesting to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to tensions between Bangladesh and India, and having that request refused.

Governing body

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is the governing body for the Bangladeshi cricket team and the sport in the country. The BCB is responsible for maintaining grounds and promoting the sport. It was founded in 1972 as the Bangladesh Cricket Control Board. Its first constitution was drafted in 1976. The board changed its name, dropping "control" from its title, in January 2007. The president of the BCB is appointed by the government of Bangladesh. The board also controls the team's sponsorship. Since 2003 telecommunications company Grameenphone has sponsored the men and women's national teams. Between 2007 and 2011 they invested ৳151.5 million (US$1.2 million) in developing sport in the country. In 2006 the Board established an academy to encourage the development of young and inexperienced players. The Board issues central contracts to the national players and issuing match fees. In 2005 players were given about $1,000 for each Test they played and $500 per ODI.

International grounds

Updated: 20 June 2026

Fan following

Before Bangladesh had even secured Test status, cricket fans in the country took the game seriously; when the team lost an ODI against Kenya in March 1999, several hundred fans protested outside the offices of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). On learning of Bangladesh's promotion to Test status, thousands of people celebrated on the streets. Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remarked that "I can't express my joy in words at this happiest hour of the nation". At the time cricket was the second-most popular sport in the country behind football. When Bangladesh began its first Test match on 10 November 2000 at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, the stadium was nearly full on the first day as around 40,000 people watched the team take on India. As the match partly overlapped with the festival of Shab-e-Barat, numbers attending declined as the match progressed. In 2011, Bangladeshi politician Saber Hossain Chowdhury opined that "In Bangladesh cricket is not simply a game, it is a symbol of national unity", and in the words of AHM Mostofa Kamal, president of the BCB in 2011, "People of Bangladesh take cricket religiously".

The people of Bangladesh are referred as "the most passionate cricket fans" among the cricket world. When Bangladesh are victorious, the fans sometimes take to the streets in celebration. When Bangladesh defeated India in the 2007 World Cup, thousands of people celebrated into the night on the streets of Dhaka despite there being a ban on public gatherings at the time. Although fans are jubilant in victory, they can also be vocal in defeat. When Bangladesh lost to England in an ODI in November 2003, the then captain Khaled Mahmud was booed off the field. During the 2011 World Cup, Bangladesh succumbed to a record defeat against West Indies, registering the team's lowest score in ODIs. Bangladeshi fans booed and stoned the buses of both teams (Bangladesh's intentionally, West Indies' mistakenly), as was Shakib Al Hasan's house.

Team colours and sponsorship

In Test cricket, Bangladesh wears cricket whites, with the BCB logo on the left chest and the sponsor's logo on the right chest. Fielders wear a dark green cap or a white wide brim sunhat. The helmets are also dark green. In limited overs cricket, Bangladesh wears a green uniform with red being the secondary colour and the BCB logo on chest and the sponsor's logo on the centre and "BANGLADESH" written underneath in white letters, with the fielders wearing a green baseball cap with red accents or a green wide-brimmed hat. During ICC tournaments, the sponsor's logo is placed on the left sleeve. In the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh wore an olive green uniform with yellow accents and a horizontal stripe with tiger-stripe motif on the chest.

Current squad

In February 2026, the Board announced the list of 28 central contracts.

This is a list of every active player who is contracted to Bangladesh Cricket Board, has played for Bangladesh since April 2025 or was named in the recent Test, ODI or T20I squads. Uncapped players are listed in italics.

Last updated: 19 February 2026

Contract – Contract type

Forms – This refers to the forms they've played for Bangladesh in the past year, not over their whole Bangladesh career

No. – Shirt number

Salary and match fees

After announcing the central list, BCB also increased the salary of the contracted players as well as the match fees, since 2020.

According to the new pay structure, contracted players will be paid the following salary according to their respective category.

In addition to this, the players' match fees were also increased to ৳8 lakh (US$6,500) for each Test match, ৳4 lakh (US$3,300) for each ODI, and ৳2.5 lakh (US$2,000) for each T20I match.

Coaching staff

Tournament history

Asian Games

All matches of 2010 and 2014 seasons were counted as T20s. Since the announcement of T-20 matches between all members having international status from 1 January 2019, all matches from the 2022 season onward are granted as T20Is.

Honours

ACC

Asia Cup

Runners-up (3): 2012, 2016, 2018

Others

Asian Games

Gold Medal (1): 2010

Bronze Medal (2): 2014, 2022

South Asian Games

Gold Medal (2): 2010, 2019

Records

Players listed in bold are still playing.

International match summary – Bangladesh

Test matches

Highest team total: 638 v. Sri Lanka, 8–12 March 2013 at Galle

Lowest team total : 43 v. West Indies, 4–8 July 2018 at North Sound

Highest individual score: 219*, Mushfiqur Rahim v. Zimbabwe, 12 November 2018 at Dhaka

Most individual runs in a match: 281, Mominul Haque (176 and 105) v. Sri Lanka, 2018 at Chittagong

Best individual bowling figures in an innings: 8/39, Taijul Islam v. Zimbabwe, 25–27 October 2014 at Dhaka

Best individual bowling figures in a match: 12/117, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (7/59 and 5/58) v. West Indies, 30 November- 2 December 2018 at Dhaka

Test record versus other nations

One-Day Internationals

Highest team total: 349/6 v. Ireland, 20 March 2023 at Sylhet.

Lowest team total: 58 v. West Indies, 4 March 2011 and v. India, 17 June 2014 at Dhaka.

Highest individual score: 176, Liton Das v. Zimbabwe, 6 March 2020 at Sylhet.

Best individual bowling figures: 6/26, Mashrafe Mortaza v. Kenya, 15 August 2006 at Nairobi (Gymkhana) and Rubel Hossain v. New Zealand, 29 October 2013 at Dhaka.

ODI record versus other nations

Twenty20 Internationals

Highest team total: 215/5 v. Sri Lanka, 10 March 2018 at Colombo

Highest individual score: 103*, Tamim Iqbal v. Oman, 13 March 2016 at Dharamsala

Best individual bowling figures: 6/10, Mustafizur Rahman v. United States, 25 May 2024 at Houston

T20I record versus other nations

World records

As a team

Most consecutive Test defeats : 21 (2001–2004).

Most consecutive Test series defeats : 16 (2000/01–2004–05).

Most consecutive ODI defeats : 23 (1999–2002).

Most consecutive ODIs without victory : 47 (1999–2003).

3rd country to win their 100th match in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Only Test team to lose their first ODI played against five non-Test teams (Canada 2003, Kenya 2003, Ireland 2007, Netherlands 2010 and Afghanistan 2014).

The highest innings total in a losing cause : 595/8 dec. vs New Zealand in 2017.

The least time among all 10 Test-playing countries—to reach the landmark figure of playing 100 tests : 16 years and 12 days.

First team to get 6 ducks in an innings in consecutive Tests and also the only team to achieve it more than once in Test cricket's history.(1st and 3rd vs West Indies in 2002 and 2022 respectively and 2nd vs Sri Lanka.)

The first-ever team to win two international matches in two different formats on the same day.

By Bangladeshi players

Only the third cricketer to score a century in their country's inaugural test : Aminul Islam (in 2000 against India).

Youngest cricketer to make a Test century: Mohammad Ashraful (17 years and 61 days : 114 against Sri Lanka at Colombo on 8 September 2001).

Youngest bowler to take a 10 wicket haul in Tests : Enamul Haque Jr. (18 years 40 days : against Zimbabwe in 2005).

Leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 2006 : Mashrafe Mortaza (49 wickets in 27 matches).

Only the 2nd Test cricketer in history to make a century at number 10 on debut: Abul Hasan (On 21 November 2012 against the West Indies at Khulna).

The first cricketer ever to score a century and take a hat-trick in the same Test match : Sohag Gazi (On 13 October 2013 against New Zealand at Chittagong)

Only the 3rd cricketer to score a century and get 10 wickets in a test match : Shakib Al Hasan (in 2014)

The first bowler in ODI history to claim a hat-trick on debut : Taijul Islam (On 1 December 2014 against Zimbabwe)

The first player in history to hold the number 1 positions in all three formats of cricket, in the all-rounder category : Shakib Al Hasan (On 12 January 2015)

The first cricketer ever to take 11 wickets in his first two ODIs : Mustafizur Rahman (5/50 and 6/43 against India in June 2015 at Dhaka).

The only players to get the Man of the match in two formats of the international cricket as a debutant : Elias Sunny (in Test vs West Indies in 2011 & T20I vs Ireland in 2012) and Mustafizur Rahman (in ODI vs India) and in Test vs South Africa both in 2015.