BD scrap ODIs to play T20Is against Pak

Additionally, both boards have agreed to play a three-match T20I series in July

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to scrap the ODI series from its upcoming tour of Pakistan, opting instead for a T20I-only series as both teams focus on preparations for the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

India is set to host the Asia Cup in September 2025, which will be played in the T20 format to help teams gear up for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

Initially, Bangladesh was scheduled to tour Pakistan in May for three ODIs and as many T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, after discussions between the two boards, the series has been revised to feature five T20Is instead, aligning with both teams' preparations for the global tournament.

Additionally, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to play a three-match T20I series in July. This series, which falls outside the FTP, was finalized during discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCB officials on the sidelines of the recently concluded Champions Trophy.

"We have decided to play T20Is instead of ODIs in the upcoming tour of Pakistan as we plan to begin our preparations for the next T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup through that series," a BCB official confirmed.

"When Pakistan travels to Bangladesh, they are scheduled to play three T20Is," he added.

The official stated that these matches are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on July 20, 22, and 24, just before Pakistan's tour of the West Indies.

Das to miss Zim Tests

Bangladesh's wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the entire 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

During a recent interview with a local sports platform, he confirmed securing a full-season NOC. Meanwhile, pacer Nahid Rana stated that he would join the PSL only after playing the opening Test against Zimbabwe.

It is understood that Rana was granted a partial NOC due to workload management. Additionally, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has received a full NOC, as he is not part of Bangladesh's Test squad.

In the PSL players' draft held on January 13, Litton Das was picked by Karachi Kings, while Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana were selected by Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively.

Earlier, Najmul Hossain, who recently captained Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy and is a strong contender to retain his leadership role, emphasized the importance of granting NOCs to players for participation in various leagues.

His statement has reignited the debate over national commitments versus franchise cricket within Bangladesh's cricketing fraternity.

The scheduling conflict between the Test series and the PSL has further fueled discussions. Bangladesh is set to begin preparations for the Test series in the second week of April.

The two-match Test series against Zimbabwe is scheduled from April 20 to May 2, creating a potential clash for players involved in both competitions.

The 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The six-team tournament will feature 34 matches across four venues. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final.