Pakistan’s 2025 Bangladesh Tour Confirmed: BCB Chief Unveils FTP Plans & Tri-Series Ambitions
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon (Faruque Ahmed) has announced that Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in July-August 2025 for a white-ball series, marking the first bilateral visit between the nations outside the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The move follows reciprocal talks during the Champions Trophy, signaling a new era of collaboration between the cricketing neighbors.
FTP Context: Bangladesh-Pakistan Cricketing Exchange
- May 2025: Bangladesh to tour Pakistan for 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is (as per FTP).
- Mid-2025: Pakistan’s reciprocal tour to Bangladesh for white-ball matches (exact format TBA).
Key Quote from Faruque:
“The PCB agreed to tour Bangladesh outside the FTP. We’ve mostly confirmed a short series in July. Details will follow once finalized.”
Why It Matters:
This marks the first non-FTP bilateral series between the nations since 2015, fostering stronger subcontinental cricket ties.
Tri-Series on the Horizon?
Faruque hinted at Bangladesh joining a Pakistan-hosted tri-nation series in the future, pending scheduling alignment. Potential teams could include Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, or Zimbabwe.
Fan Buzz: Social media speculates a 2026 T20 tri-series as a warm-up for the T20 World Cup in India/Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s 2027 ODI World Cup Blueprint
After a group-stage exit in the 2023 Champions Trophy, the BCB is prioritizing long-term prep for the 2027 World Cup (hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia):
- Leadership: Experienced coach Najmul Abedin Faheem to helm cricket operations.
- Domestic Revamp: Focus on nurturing young talent and improving overseas performance.
Faruque’s Vision:
“We’ll discuss how to take cricket forward. The 2027 World Cup is our Everest.”
T20I Captaincy Shake-Up: Litton Das Frontrunner
With Najmul Hossain Shanto stepping down as T20I skipper in January 2024, the BCB plans to appoint a captain from recent leaders.
Top Contenders:
- Litton Das (most likely, per insiders).
- Shakib Al Hasan (experienced but workload concerns).
- Towhid Hridoy (dark horse for a youth-focused shift).
Faruque’s Statement:
“We’ll choose a captain from those who’ve led recently. A decision is imminent.”
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Farewell: Honoring a Legend
Following Mushfiqur’s retirement from ODIs, the BCB plans a grand send-off for the 36-year-old stalwart:
- Career Highlights: 19 years, 7,000+ ODI runs, pivotal role in 2007 World Cup upsets.
- Legacy: Credited with mentoring stars like Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan.
Faruque’s Tribute:
“Mushfiqur is a legend—the architect of Bangladesh cricket. His journey from 2005 inspires our next generation.”
What’s Next?
- July 2025: Pakistan’s white-ball tour to Bangladesh (dates TBA).
- 2026: Potential tri-series involving Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- 2027: World Cup prep intensifies with A-team tours and camps.
Fan Reactions:
- Twitter: #PAKvBAN2025 trends as fans demand Tests.
- Experts: Call for BCB to prioritize Test cricket despite FTP focus on white-ball.
Final Take:
Pakistan’s 2025 tour symbolizes cricket’s power to bridge rivalries, while Bangladesh’s focus on youth and legacy-building sets the stage for a transformative era. Will Litton Das lead a T20I revival? Share your thoughts below! 🏏🇧🇩🇵🇰
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