Bangladesh may host West Indies in September

The president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nazmul Hasan Papon, on Friday revealed a groundbreaking news, that could bring a bit of fresh air for the spectators of the Bangladesh national cricket team. According to the BCB boss, the board is now mulling to host West Indies. Though he did not specify the format of the proposed contest, Papon confirmed that they are in formal talks with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), and determined to make the series happen.


Since the ICC World T20 2016 in India earlier this year, Bangladesh haven’t played any international series. Bangladesh national players are now playing in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, while two players — Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman had their stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad as well. Now Shakib is back in Dhaka and playing in the DPL for Abahani Limited. But Mustafizur, though drafted by Mohammedan Sporting Club, is now undergoing rehabilitation program.

So, if the West Indies’ tour materialises, it would fill a substantial void in Bangladesh’s calendar in 2016. There was a possibility of their solitary Test in India being held in August or September, but since the BCCI announced New Zealand will be touring India in September-October, Bangladesh’s next assignment will be England at home in October, unless the West Indies series gets the nod.

“We have the England series in October and the Bangladesh Premier League in November. Then we go to New Zealand. After the Super League ends this month, there isn’t much time left for the players. We are already communicating with West Indies but nothing has been confirmed yet. They have showed interest but we need to find a time when both sides are free,” said Papon.

Earlier the BCB head also informed that the Tigers are likely to tour India in February, shortly after they complete their tour of New Zealand and before Australia begin their four-match Test series in India.