After being away from cricket for the most part of 2020, the Bangladesh men’s team will feature in a packed schedule in 2021, with a number of international matches slated to take place across formats.
Bangladesh featured in just two Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is throughout the last calendar year, missing out major international series as the Covid-19 pandemic truncated their schedule. Having rapidly developed as a formidable white-ball side over the last decade, Bangladesh would be eyeing a successful run in the 2021 T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in India.
Note: A few tournaments below are based on the ICC 2018-2023 FTP and reports, but are yet to be confirmed by individual boards.
Here’s the complete Bangladesh schedule for 2021:
West Indies tour of Bangladesh (January-February)
Three ODIs and two Tests
Bangladesh start the year by hosting West Indies for three ODIs and two Tests in January and February. Bangladesh eased to a 3-0 whitewash in the one-day leg, which will be followed by the two Tests in February.
Bangladesh tour of New Zealand (March)
Three ODIs and three T20Is
A month after West Indies’ visit, Bangladesh tour New Zealand for a limited-overs series, playing three ODIs and as many T20Is.
Asia Cup 2021 (June)
Bangladesh will be one of the teams participating in the Asia Cup, the 15th edition of the tournament, which was postponed for a year in 2020. The matches, to be hosted in Sri Lanka, are set to be played in T20I format, featuring six teams. Bangladesh reached the final of the competition the last time.
Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe (June-July)
Two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is
After the Asia Cup, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe for a full-fledged tour, featuring two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is, the shortest format serving as ideal game time ahead of the T20 World Cup.
England tour of Bangladesh (October)
Three ODIs and three T20Is
Just before the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh are set to host England for a limited-overs series, after England host India for a full-fledged tour in August-September.
T20 World Cup 2021 (October-November)
Bangladesh haven’t won a global ICC event so far (and haven’t reached the top four of a T20 World Cup competition), but would be looking for a good showing in conditions closer to home in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan tour of Bangladesh (November)
Two Tests and three T20Is
Towards the end of the year, Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a two Tests and three T20Is. Pakistan won both the Test and T20I series when Bangladesh toured them in 2019/20.
