Bangladesh Cricket Faces New Challenge as Test Status Under Review
DHAKA, Bangladesh — The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is bracing for a critical review of the national team’s Test status, following a string of poor performances in the longest format of the game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to discuss the matter at its next board meeting in March, sources within the BCB confirmed on Monday.
Bangladesh has not won a Test match since November 2023, when they defeated Afghanistan in a one-off game in Mirpur. Since then, they have lost five consecutive Tests, including a 2-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka in March 2024 and a 3-0 whitewash by India in September 2024. The team’s batting collapses, particularly in overseas conditions, have drawn sharp criticism from former players and analysts.
“It’s a worrying trend. We are not competing in Test cricket the way we should be,” said former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar in an interview with a local sports channel. “The gap between our home and away performances is too wide. We need a long-term plan, not just quick fixes.”
The BCB has responded by forming a five-member committee to review the team’s Test strategy. The committee, led by former national selector Minhajul Abedin, will submit a report within two months. BCB President Nazmul Hassan told reporters on Sunday that the board is committed to improving the team’s performance but acknowledged the challenges.
“We are aware of the concerns. Test cricket is the pinnacle, and we want to be competitive. But we also need to be realistic about our resources and infrastructure,” Hassan said at a press conference in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, the ICC review comes amid broader discussions about the future of Test cricket. Smaller nations like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Ireland have struggled to maintain competitiveness, leading to calls for a two-tier system. That proposal, however, has faced resistance from some full-member boards.
On the international front, the cricketing world is abuzz with the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan in February 2025. The tournament will feature eight teams, including Bangladesh, who have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. BCB officials say the team is focusing on limited-overs formats to regain confidence.
“The Champions Trophy is a big opportunity. We have a balanced squad, and if we play to our potential, we can surprise a few teams,” said Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha during a training session in Sylhet.
In other sports news, Bangladesh’s football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with a crucial match against Australia scheduled for June 2025. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a series of friendly matches against Southeast Asian teams to build momentum.
“We know it’s a tough group, but we want to show progress. The players are motivated, and we are working on improving our tactical discipline,” said BFF President Kazi Salahuddin.
Back on the cricket field, the BCB has also announced a revamped domestic structure, including a new T20 league starting in March 2025, aimed at unearthing young talent. The league will feature six franchise teams and is expected to attract international players.
“The domestic circuit is the backbone of our cricket. We need to make it more competitive to produce players who can handle pressure at the international level,” said BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus.
As the review looms, Bangladesh cricket finds itself at a crossroads. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the team can reverse its fortunes or face a demotion in status that could reshape its cricketing future.