Amidst concerns over facing possible public anger for his role in the student-led protests that ousted Bangladesh’s iron-fisted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan said he is not coming home to play a Test match in Dhaka, which he said his last match in the format.  This made the last Test of the series between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur the last Test of Shakib’s career.  Before that match in Kanpur, Shakib announced his retirement from the longest format of international cricket and expressed his desire to play his last Test in front of the home crowd in Dhaka. But this wish is about to remain unfulfilled.  In an interview with bdnews24 from Dubai, Shakib—on a transit stop during his journey back—addressed his change of plans. “I was supposed to return home, but now I might not be able to do so due to security issues, for my own safety,” he said. It’s clear that Shakib was forced to cancel his plan due to ongoing protests about his homecoming. A group of protesting students burned his effigy on Wednesday at the University of Dhaka. Another group planned to submit a letter to BCB urging them to prevent Shakib from entering the stadium. Shakib's silence during the student-led protest against the Sheikh Hasina government led to this situation. The toppled administration led by Sheikh Hasina tried to quell the protest using deadly weapons that eventually left at least 1000 killed.  Shakib’s homecoming in limbo as protest threat looms large Despite being one of the most celebrated cricketers in Bangladesh’s history, Shakib was silent during the protests, which triggered an angry reaction from the protesting students, who expected Shakib to stand by them. But Shakib, who was also a member of the Awami League government, posted his happy pictures on social media during the protests, which  fueled the anger against him.  When Shakib announced his retirement in Kanpur, he also expressed concerns about his safety if he returned home. He urged the board to ensure his safety during his stay in Dhaka. But the board and the sports ministry reacted in tough words. The sports ministry was led by a student leader, Asif Mahmud, who was among the top organizers of the porters. He is one of the two student leaders who were appointed as advisers in the current interim government.  Later, the sports adviser said they would ensure security for Shakib when he returned home. However, the government changed its stance in reaction to the ongoing protests against Shakib.  A high-ranking government official confirmed Wednesday night that Shakib was advised to forgo his plan to return due to the current political climate. This situation suggests that Shakib’s Test career may now have reached an unofficial end.  

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's most accomplished cricketer, finds himself at the center of a swirling debate regarding his commitment to the national team. His return to the team for the second Test starting tomorrow against Sri Lanka, after missing earlier matches in the series, has reignited questions about his priorities and the impact his sporadic appearances have on the team. The left-handed all-rounder last appeared in a First-Class match a year ago, during a Test against Ireland in Dhaka. Now, after a year-long hiatus from the longest format of cricket, he is set to play another Test without any intervening First-Class appearances. He has not played any international matches in 2024, despite Bangladesh having played seven matches. While the reasons for his absence remain unclear, his abrupt end to the 2023 World Cup was due to a finger injury, which also caused him to miss the home Test series against New Zealand and the subsequent away T20I and ODI series against the same opponent following Bangladesh's disastrous World Cup outing. Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye Shakib's undeniable talent and past contributions are unquestioned. He is a genuine all-rounder, capable of winning matches with both bat and ball. However, in recent years, his appearances for the national team have been inconsistent, with breaks taken for personal reasons, injuries, and even political activities (while the Bangladesh team was busy playing against New Zealand in New Zealand late last year, Shakib was actively campaigning for the national election in his constituency, Magura district). This inconsistency has led to a sense of unease and frustration among fans and experts alike. During the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Shakib faced an eye issue that required medical attention. This issue reportedly affected him during the World Cup, contributing to his lean batting display, as he hinted in an interview with a cricket website. Despite this, he continued playing in the BPL, leading to rumors that he would take a break after the tournament. However, even before the BPL concluded, he contradicted earlier statements from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) by claiming that he had no issues with his eyes. Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2023 Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, Shakib declared himself available, and the BCB promptly included him in the squad. This sudden turnaround has raised eyebrows and fueled the perception that Shakib dictates his own terms when it comes to playing for the national team. With his standout performances over the years, he made himself a difficult figure to criticize, though, the performance doesn't. His absence from the earlier matches of the Sri Lanka series was attributed to personal activities, including brand endorsements. While these pursuits are understandable, their prioritization over national duty has left some questioning his commitment. The times Shakib Al Hasan found himself in controversies Shakib's leadership during the 2023 World Cup, which he himself acknowledged as one of Bangladesh's worst performances in the tournament, also comes under scrutiny. The team lost seven out of nine matches, including a shocking defeat to the Netherlands. This poor showing has led some to question his captaincy and ability to lead the team effectively. Now, with his return for the second Test, Shakib's intentions and potential contribution are under the microscope. Is he returning to be the savior of a struggling team who lost the first Test by a margin of over 300 runs, or will his sporadic appearances further disrupt the rhythm and morale that the team is trying to build? There are arguments to be made on both sides. On the one hand, Shakib's talent and experience are undeniable assets to the team. His presence can boost the morale of the players and provide much-needed stability in the batting and bowling departments. On the other hand, his inconsistent availability can disrupt team dynamics and make it difficult for the team management to build a cohesive unit. Ultimately, the question of whether Shakib, in recent years, is a savior or disruptor for the Bangladesh national team remains open. His performance in the upcoming Test and his future commitment to the team will be crucial in determining the answer.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the FTP (Future Tour Program) for the next 4 years which starts in 2023 and will end in the year 2027. During this period, Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team will play over 150 matches. Tigers will start their international campaign, after playing BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), a franchise cricket league organized by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), starting from the 19th of January to the 1st Of March. This article will discuss the complete FTP schedule of the Bangladesh Cricket Team for 2024. Breakdown Of 2024 FTP of Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team In 2024, Bangladesh Men's Cricket Team will have a very busy schedule, as they will play 14 Tests, 9 ODI, and 17 T2OI (including a T20 World Cup).  It is a big year for the team as they don’t play Test cricket that much.  Also with the big event, the International Twenty20 World Cup, which will take place this year in the West Indies and USA, Bangladesh cricket fans can look forward to another year of exciting cricket.  Read more: Bangladesh Men’s Test Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis Table: Bangladesh Men’s Cricket Team FTP For 2024 Duration  Series  Series Details Venue Feb-March 2024 Sri Lanka Tour Of Bangladesh 2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s Bangladesh April 2024 Zimbabwe Tour Of Bangladesh 2 Tests, 5 T20I’s Bangladesh June 2024 ICC T20 World Cup 2024   West Indies, USA  July-August 2024 Bangladesh Tour Of Afghanistan 2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s Afghanistan Aug-Sep 2024 Bangladesh Tour Of Pakistan 2 Tests Pakistan Sep-Oct  2024 Bangladesh Tour Of India 2 Tests 3 T20I’s India Oct-Nov 2024 South Africa Tour Of Bangladesh 2 Tests Bangladesh Nov - Dec 2024 Bangladesh Tour of West Indies 2 Tests, 3 ODI’s, 3 T20I’s West Indies Read more: Was 2023 a Good or Bad Year for Bangladesh Cricket? Here’s What Stats Say

After losing two back-to-back Tests against Australia, Pakistan will look to overcome their lackings, win the last Test match, and start the new year on a positive note.  Before the final Test match, let’s have a look at the preview, which will take place on Wednesday, January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground at 12 pm Bangladesh time ( Local Time 05:30 am). It will be the last match of the series, an important one for Pakistan, as their mediocre tour in Australia continues over two decades. Preview of Pakistan vs Australia Third Test Match in 2023  Although they lost both matches, Pakistan showed promise at the start. But lack of inconsistency, and poor performance from the batters, led to a bad ending. Overview of PAK vs AUS First Test The 1st Test was played from the 14th to the 17th of December at Perth.  Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. Australia scored 487 runs after getting all-out. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh put up a strong 360-run partnership. Warner and Marsh scored 164 and 90 runs respectively.  Debutant Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal impressed the most as they took 12 wickets combined out of the total 15 wickets Pakistan took in the match. Pakistan team made a good start, as Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique scored 60 and 42 respectively. But soon they started to crumble consistently. Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets. Besides, Cummins and Starc chipped in with 2 wickets each. Australia declared their second innings after scoring 232 runs, losing 5 wickets, and set a massive target of 450 runs.  Mitchell Marsh was adjudged man of the match. Pakistan in reply, collapsed heavily, scoring only 89 runs, facing the heaviest defeat of 360 runs. Skipper Pat Cummins took 5 wickets. Lyon contributed with the ball again, taking 3 wickets.   Read more: Bangladesh Cricket in 2023: Men’s ODI Series- Performance Analysis Overview of PAK vs AUS Second Test After a heavy defeat, Pakistan faced Australia on the 26th of December in Melbourne.  Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl. Australia scored only 318 runs. Marnus Labuschagne scored 63 runs. Aamer Jamal took 3 wickets, while Shaheen, Hamza, and Ali took 2 wickets each. Pakistan managed to score only 264 runs. Scoring 62 runs, Abdullah Shafique made a good start. Shan Maqsood, captain also scored a half-century. Cummin's outstanding bowling picked up 5 wickets, while Lyon took 4 wickets.  Australia could not start their second innings as expected. They lost 4 wickets in a very short time with a score of 16 runs on the board.  Mitchell Marsh steadied the innings with Steve Smith, putting up a partnership of 153 runs. Still, Australia managed to score only 262 runs, setting a total of 317 runs for Pakistanis to chase. Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Alex Carrey scored 96, 50 and 53 runs respectively. Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza took 4 wickets each and restricted the Aussies to a score that would be easy to chase down in the last innings. Pakistan batted their second innings with clear intent to win the match and level the score 1-1.   But unfortunately, they could not chase down the total, getting all out for just 237 runs. Shan Maqsood,  Babar Azam, and  Agha Salman scored 61 runs, 41 runs, and 50 runs respectively giving some hope to win the match.   Pat Cummins was too much to handle, as he bagged another 5, ending the match with 10 wickets.  He was awarded the Man of the Match award. Read more: Was 2023 a Good or Bad Year for Bangladesh Cricket? Here’s What Stats Say Pakistan vs Australia Head-to-Head Records In Test Matches Won by Australia Won by Pakistan Tied N/R 70 34 15  20 01 Australia is way ahead of Pakistan in Tests, winning 34 matches, whereas Pakistan only won 15 matches. Probable Australia Test Squad Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Lance Morris, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood. Probable Pakistan Test Squad  Shan Masood(c), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal, Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf,  Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Mir Hamza, and Khurram Shahzad. Final Verdict After taking the series 2-0, Australia will look forward to winning the last match and wrap up the series with a clean sweep of, 3-0. Before this series, Australia were dominating with 34 wins against Pakistan overall.  Pakistan only won 15 against Aussies. And, they have lost the ongoing series. Still, they will try to end the 2023 PAK vs AUS Test Series with a win and start their new year 2024 with a fresh approach.  Read more: Bangladesh Men’s Test Cricket in 2023: Performance Analysis

Despite a mediocre ODI performance in 2023, Bangladesh performed well in the Test arena. This year, Bangladesh Men’s Test squad won 3 out of 4 test matches. With a combination of new and experienced players, Bangladesh managed to achieve these successes. Here is an analysis of the Bangladesh Men’s Test cricket in the year 2023.    2023 Tests by Bangladesh Men’s National Cricket Team  Bangladesh played 4 tests in 2023. All of these tournaments took place within the country. They won 3 matches comfortably and lost one match. Performance Of Bangladesh Men’s Test Squad in 2023 Bangladesh Vs Ireland (at home) Bangladesh vs Ireland Test match was held from the 4th to the 8th of April at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.   In the 1st Test match, Ireland won the toss and chose to bat.  Ireland were all out for just 214 runs in 77. 2 overs on the first day. Harry Tector scored a well-fought fifty before getting out. Taijul Islam picked up 5 wickets, while Miraz and Ebadot got 2 wickets each.  Bangladesh batted till they were all out for 369 in their first innings, Mushfiq scored 126  and Shakib scored 87. In their second innings, Ireland lost 4 quick wickets for just 13 runs. However, they fought back and thanks to Lorcan Tucker's memorable 108 runs led the Irish, putting up a score of 292 before getting bowled out. Taijul picked up 4 wickets in the second innings, and 9 wickets in the match overall. In the fourth innings, Bangladesh only needed 138 runs to secure a victory against Ireland.  The Tigers won the match, losing only 3 wickets and finishing the match on the fourth day. Mushfiq scored a half-century and got the Man of the Match award for his overall contribution to the team. Read more: Was 2023 a Good or Bad Year for Bangladesh Cricket? Here’s What Stats Say Bangladesh Vs Afghanistan (at home) Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test match took place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from 14 to 18th of June.  Winning the toss, Afghanistan decided to bowl first. Bangladesh were all out for 382 runs in 86 overs. Shanto was the top scorer with 146 runs. Afghanistan scored 146 runs in their first innings before they were bowled out. Ebadot Hossain took 4 wickets, whereas Shoriful, Taijul, and Miraz took 2 wickets each.   Instead of pushing Afghanistan to follow on, Bangladesh decided to bat for the 2nd innings. Tigers made a massive score of 425 runs losing only 4 wickets.  Shanto made the match more memorable, scoring two centuries. Mominul also scored a century.  Afghanistan got a target of 662 runs. Batting in their second innings they didn't stand a chance as they were only able to get 115 runs, facing the heaviest defeat of 546 runs.  Taskin Ahmed took 4 wickets in the last innings, Shoriful took 3 wickets, while Miraz and Ebadot took 1 wicket each. Throughout the Test match, Bangladesh fast bowlers took 14 wickets, so far the highest record for them.  Nazmul Hossain Shanto, was awarded the man of the match for scoring two centuries in one Test match.

The inaugural Test of the two-match series between hosts Bangladesh and the touring New Zealand is set to kick off on Tuesday at Sylhet International Stadium. This series marks the commencement of the new cycle of the World Test Championship, serving as both Bangladesh's first match and first home encounter in this event. Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in this series in the absence of the regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, who was sidelined due to a finger injury sustained during the World Cup. This marks Shanto's debut as the Test captain, having previously led the team in ODIs in Shakib's absence during the World Cup. Papon offers only vague details of meeting with Tamim  “I feel that I’m ready to lead Bangladesh in all formats,” Shanto expressed in Sylhet during the pre-match press conference. “It would be beneficial if the next captain is appointed for a longer period so that he can plan accordingly.” In his inaugural Test as captain, Shanto aims for a victory and asserts that Bangladesh should plan to win all home matches in the new World Test Championship cycle.  “We will have to win the home matches of the WTC and try our best to fight harder in the away matches,” he emphasized. In the previous WTC cycle (2021-2023), Bangladesh secured only one victory in 12 matches. Their last international event was the World Cup in India, where they fell short of expectations, winning only two out of nine matches. However, Shanto expresses hope for a comeback as they enter a new format. Preview of 2023 BAN vs NZ 1st Test Match in Sylhet New Zealand, having played their last Test earlier this year, is eager to make a comeback to Test cricket. Tim Southee, the New Zealand captain, acknowledges the challenge of playing against Bangladesh in Bangladesh.  “The start of the new cycle is exciting. It is a tough place to play Tests. Bangladesh is strong in these conditions. The last cycle didn’t go as well as we planned,” Southee remarked. Despite one historic Test win against New Zealand last year at Mount Maunganui by eight wickets, Bangladesh's overall Test record against New Zealand remains largely insignificant, with just one win in 17 Tests. Southee hints that New Zealand aims to maintain its dominance in this series, relying on their spin arsenal.  “Pace plays a big role in New Zealand. Spin historically plays a big role in this part of the world. Our spinners have done some great things in Tests. We are looking forward to them showcasing their skills,” Southee said. Ticket prices unveiled for Bangladesh vs New Zealand test match in Sylhet Bangladesh will miss the services of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib in this series. Tamim has been out of cricket for an extended period, while Shakib is sidelined due to a finger injury. Bangladesh's captain acknowledges the absence of Shakib and also notes the absence of Litton Das, who is unavailable due to family reasons. Southee, the New Zealand captain, acknowledges the significance of the absence of these key players for Bangladesh, stating, “Shakib has been a great player for Bangladesh for a long time. Litton is a class player. He has done well against us in the past. I guess it is a miss for them not having those guys.”

Following a break due to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand is going to resume its tour of Bangladesh. Previously, the Kiwis secured a 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series (with the first match being canceled due to rain) and are now prepared for a two-test series set to start on Tuesday, November 28, at 9:30 am Bangladesh time. The 2023 BAN vs NZ 1st Test match will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Preview of Bangladesh vs New Zealand Test Match Bangladesh appointed left-handed batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the Test format. This marks Shanto's debut as the leader of the test side, building on his previous experience as captain during the ODI Cricket World Cup in India when Shakib Al Hasan was sidelined due to injury. Regrettably, Bangladesh will be without the pacer Taskin Ahmed, who is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, Shakib Al Hasan, the usual Test captain, is unavailable following a finger injury sustained during the World Cup encounter against Sri Lanka. Liton Das has taken a leave to spend time with his newborn daughter. Shadman Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan returned to the team after a long time. Shadman last played a Test for the national team against the West Indies in April last year. In addition, Sohan's most recent appearance was in December against India. Both players feature prominently among the top five run-scorers in the current National League season. Sohan, positioned at number two, has accumulated an impressive total of 435 runs in 9 innings across 6 matches. On the other hand, Sadman's scored 411 runs in 8 innings of 5 matches. Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to lead the batting lineup, partnering with Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Additionally, the all-rounder roles will be carried out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shahadat Hossain. Taijul Islam will lead the bowling department, with support from Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed, who made his ODI debut in the last series. Hasan Murad has earned his maiden call-up to the Test team. Murad consistently showed his skills in domestic cricket, catching the attention of selectors. Currently, he ranks among the top 10 wicket-takers in the ongoing National Cricket League. Given his performance and potential, the selectors saw fit to include the left-arm spinner, a member of the Youth World Cup-winning team, in the Test squad against New Zealand. On the other hand, Tim Southee will be the captain for the Kiwis, and the team will feature players like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Mitchell Santner. Rachin Ravindra, who had an outstanding World Cup in 2023, is back in the Test squad after last playing against Bangladesh in January 2022. Neil Wagner joined the New Zealand Test squad on November 17, 2023, filling in for the injured Matt Henry. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Top Performers in Batting, Bowling and Fielding At a Glance Bangladesh Test Squad Against New Zealand Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mominul Haque, Hasan Murad, and Nayeem Hasan. New Zealand Test Squad Against Bangladesh Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, and Neil Wagner. Bangladesh vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in Test New Zealand and Bangladesh have contested 17 Test matches, with the Kiwis emerging victorious in 13 encounters. Bangladesh managed to clinch victory in only one match. Three of the test matches were drawn. In their last series in 2021-2022, the Tigers managed to draw against New Zealand in an away series. Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone with their maiden Test win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on December 31, 2021. Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024 Table: BAN vs NZ H-to-H Test Stats So Far Total Test Matches Bangladesh Win New Zealand Win Draw 17 1 13 3 Key Bangladeshi Players to Watch Mushfiqur Rahim Mushfiqur Rahim has scored 442 runs in nine Test matches against New Zealand at an average of 34. During these matches, he has hit one century and two half-centuries. So, he might use his previous experience against the Kiwis/ Najmul Hossian Shanto Shanto is one of the leading run-scorers for Bangladesh in Test cricket this year, scoring 274 runs at an impressive average of 68.50 in two matches, including two centuries. Against New Zealand, he has scored 144 runs from three matches. Mehidy Hasan Miraz Miraz has played 5 test matches against New Zealand and grabbed 10 wickets. He also scored 81 runs for Bangladesh. His all-round skills have improved since his last meeting with New Zealand in January 2022. So, he will surely make some impact. Key New Zealand Players to Watch Tom Latham Tom Latham is the second-highest run-scorer for New Zealand against Bangladesh, having accumulated 734 runs in six Tests at an outstanding average of 91.75. During these matches, he has scored three centuries and a single fifty, with a highest score of 252. Neil Wagner Neil Wagner stands as New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker against Bangladesh in a test, having secured 39 wickets. So, Bangladeshi batters will have to play Wagner carefully. Final Words With both teams making strategic adjustments and adding a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the cricketing stage is set for a fascinating match. Bangladesh, led by debutant Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, face challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries and personal reasons. On the other hand, New Zealand, under the captaincy of Tim Southee, bring a challenging lineup that includes the returning Rachin Ravindra and the experienced Tom Latham. Read more: Ticket prices unveiled for Bangladesh vs New Zealand test match in Sylhet

Top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the Bangladesh team in the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand starting later this month. Jalal Younus, chairman of the cricket operation department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), confirmed the development to media on Saturday (November 18, 2023). “Shanto will lead the team in the two Tests against New Zealand,” Jalal said at a press briefing at the BCB media lounge. In the ICC World Cup 2023, deemed “the worst” for Bangladesh by Shakib Al Hasan, Shanto led the team in two matches when the regular captain Shakib was out of the playing XI due to injury concerns. Read: New Zealand to visit Bangladesh in November for 2-Test series Shakib, who was ruled out of the World Cup before the last match for Bangladesh, is set to miss the upcoming Test series as he continues to recover from a finger injury. Opener Litton Das has also been granted leave for a month. He recently became father of a baby girl. “Litton asked for leave for two months; we have accepted one month,” Jalal confirmed. “He became a father, so he needs leave, and we understand it.” Meanwhile, Allan Donald resigned from his post as the pace bowling coach of Bangladesh. In his absence, coaches from the high-performance unit may join the national team to fulfill his role. The BCB will soon appoint a new pace-bowling coach. Read more: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024: Schedules, Fixtures, Team

In September 2023, the New Zealand men's cricket team visited Bangladesh and played three ODI matches. Both teams used these matches to prepare for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. After the World Cup, the New Zealand team will return to Bangladesh in November 2023 to play two Test matches. These Test matches are part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand tour of Bangladesh in 2023-2024: Schedules, Fixtures, Team Bangladesh and New Zealand are set to play a two-match Test series in the latter part of November and early December 2023. The series will kick off with a two-day practice match scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of November at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh. This practice match will serve as a crucial warm-up for both teams before they enter into the Test matches. The first Test of the series will begin on November 28 and continue until December 2, also taking place at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Finally, the series will conclude with the second Test, which is scheduled from the 6th to the 10th of December at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladeshi fans are eagerly waiting for this face-off, as Bangladesh will play a test match after more than five months. Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: Maxwell's epic 201 brings Australia back from the dead, breaking Afghan hearts Table: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh 2023 Fixtures Date Time (BD Time) Match Type Venue 23–24 November 9:30 AM 2 Day Practice Match Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet 28 November – 2 December 2023 9:30 AM 1st Test Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet 6–10 December 2023 9:30 AM 2nd Test Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Probable Bangladesh Squad for the Test Series Against New Zealand Mahmudul Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Shariful Islam and Ebadat Hossain. New Zealand Squad for the Test Series Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson and Will Young. New Zealand Cricket has announced a 15-man squad on November 7 for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. This Test series will be a fascinating contest as the New Zealand team prepares to face the challenges of the longer format after their limited-overs battles in the subcontinent. There are several spinners in the team. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are joined by Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi. Mitchell Santner has made a comeback to the New Zealand Test squad, marking his return to the format after his last appearance in 2021 against England at Lord's. Santner's inclusion adds variety to the team's bowling and all-round capabilities. However, it's worth noting that Trent Boult, a key figure in the New Zealand fast bowling attack, will be absent from the upcoming Test series as he has made himself unavailable for selection. Read more: Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Showing Light of Hope Bangladesh vs New Zealand ODI Series Recap This upcoming Test series is a part of the New Zealand tour of Bangladesh that started with the ODI series on September 21, 2023, and paused with the third ODI match on September 26, 2023.  Bangladesh lost the series by 2-0 as the first match was abandoned due to rain. In the first ODI held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on September 21, rain played spoilsport, and the match ended without a result, with New Zealand posting a total of 136/5 in 33.4 overs. Will Young's steady 58 off 91 deliveries and Mustafizur Rahman's 3/27 with the ball were notable highlights. The second ODI, also in Dhaka, was a different story as New Zealand batted first and set a target of 255. For New Zealand, Tom Blundell scored 68, and Ish Sodhi took a historic 6 wickets for 39 runs. Bangladesh's response fell short, with Mahedi Hasan taking 3/45, and New Zealand emerged victorious by 86 runs, marking their first ODI win in Bangladesh since 2008. The third ODI, again in Dhaka, saw Bangladesh posting a target of 171 runs. New Zealand bowler Adam Milne's 4/34 performance stopped Bangladesh from scoring big. However, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, powered by Will Young's 70 off 80 balls, and they won by seven wickets, securing the series. The series had its share of debutants and prominent records, including Khaled Ahmed and Zakir Hasan's ODI debuts and Ish Sodhi's exceptional bowling feat. Additionally, Najmul Hossain Shanto led the Bangladeshi side for the first time in ODIs, adding a layer of significance to the series. Overall, the series showcased the competitive spirit and talent on display from both teams, leaving fans eagerly waiting for their future encounters. Final Words While Bangladesh has yet to announce the squad, New Zealand, on the other hand, has announced a balanced 15-man squad featuring a mix of experience and promising talent. With the background of the ICC World Test Championship, this New Zealand tour of Bangladesh holds significant importance for both teams' aspirations in the tournament. Read more: Bangladesh’s matches in the 2nd Round Qualifiers of FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedules, Fixtures, Team

While the Bangladesh men’s cricket team is struggling in World Cup 2023, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team made history by winning a T20 series against Pakistan at home. These young women might not get as much attention as the men’s cricket team, but they show incredible determination, strength, and skill. Even though they do not get the deserved recognition or pay, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team consistently make all-out efforts. Now, it is high time for Bangladesh to focus on women’s cricket too. Bangladesh Women’s Cricket: Performances in 2023 Bangladesh’s men’s cricket team had faced disappointment three times in the Asia Cup final; the women’s cricket team brought us a championship in the 2018 Asia Cup. Apart from this, Tigressed have other achievements too. Let’s dive deep. ODI This year, the Bangladesh Women’s team has played 5 ODIs and won one match against the India Women’s team. Indian team visited Bangladesh in July 2023 for a three-match ODI series. Tigress got their maiden win against India in the first match on July 16, 2023. Bangladesh Women’s team set a target of 152 for 9 in 43 overs, and India was all out for 113 and lost the match by 40 runs. However, Bangladesh lost the next game. Apart from this, Bangladesh also lost a match against Sri Lanka on May 4, 2023. Further, there was one no result against Sri Lanka, and one match was tied against India. 16 years ago, the women’s cricket team entered international cricket through a match against Thailand in Bangkok. After winning the first two matches, Tigresses took part in the ACC Women’s Tournament and won the title that year.  After that, the Bangladesh team led by Salma Khatun did not have to look back. However, in 2011, the Tigresses achieved an important milestone under coach Mamatha Maben. Despite finishing in 5th place in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier held on their own soil, the Bangladesh team won ODI status for the first time. The Bangladesh women’s cricket team, which entered the top ten in the global rankings, then played a total of 57 ODIs until October 31, 2023, including bilateral and trilateral series. Bangladesh women’s cricket team won 15 ODI matches so far; 5 matches remain without results and tied in one match. Bangladesh women’s team is now ranked eighth in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings. T20I The roar of the Tigresses has been felt in the shortest and most popular version of current cricket, T20. The statistics of 42 wins in 107 matches are not very surprising, but once the top position of the ICC T20 ranking was occupied by the Tigresses. Bangladesh women’s cricket team is now ranked ninth in ICC Women’s T20I Rankings. This year, Tigress played 15 T20I matches on home ground and abroad. But, the team could not get enough success at the beginning of this year. Most recently, they made history by winning a T20I series against Pakistan. Among the 15 T20I matches played this year, the Bangladesh women’s team won only five games. The Bangladesh women’s cricket team has not made it to the finals of the ODI World Cup yet, but they have already competed in three T20 World Cups. In this edition of the World Cup qualifiers, they have been champions twice. In addition, this year, the team led by Nigar Sultana and Jahanara has won three of their last five T20 matches. The Bangladesh women’s cricket team has also achieved significant success in the Asian Games, earning silver medals in both the 2010 and 2014 editions. Read more: Bangladesh win historic Women's T20 series against Pakistan ODI and Test Status On November 24, 2011, Bangladesh achieved ODI status by beating USA with 9 wickets in the 2011 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. This victory ensured that Bangladesh would be among the top 6 teams in the tournament and be ranked in the top 10 globally, which was the condition for getting ODI status. In April 2021, the ICC granted permanent Test and One Day International (ODI) status to all full-member women’s teams. But Tigresses are yet to play their debut test match. Bangladesh won the 3-match T20I Series against Pakistan Recently, Bangladeshi women won a T20I series against Pakistan by 2-1, which took place from October 25 to October 29. Bangladesh won the second T20 in a row against Pakistani girls in Chattogram on October 27. The Tigresses were happy to beat Pakistan by 20 runs in the second T20 of the three-match series. In September 2023, Tigresses won the bronze medal by defeating Pakistan in the Asian Games. And winning a series against Pakistan in Bangladesh is another achievement for confident Tigresses. Bangladesh made history by winning the series for the first time in T20I with one match in hand, defeating the Pakistani women by 20 runs in the second match.