After a brief but well-earned break following back-to-back bilateral series, the Bangladesh national cricket team is back in training — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the Asia Cup 2025 just over a month away, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched a multi-phase preparation plan that includes domestic camps, an overseas tour, and a home series against the Netherlands.
The Tigers reported to the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday morning, marking the start of their fitness camp under strength and conditioning coach Nathan Kiely. This initial phase will run until 15 August, after which the squad will take a short break before regrouping in Sylhet from 20 August for skill training under head coach Phil Simmons, supported by power-hitting coach Julian Wood and sports psychologist David Scott.
The 25-member preliminary squad, led by Litton Das, reflects a blend of experience and experimentation. Notably, five players — Naim Sheikh, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Hasan Mahmud, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Saif Hassan — are also part of the Bangladesh A team travelling to Darwin, Australia for the Top End T20 Series. Their performances there could be pivotal in shaping the final Asia Cup squad.
The Darwin tournament, running from 14 to 24 August, features academy sides from Australia, Pakistan Shaheens, and Nepal. For captain Sohan and his men, it’s a proving ground — a chance to demonstrate readiness and resilience in foreign conditions. The squad includes promising names like Afif Hossain, Rakibul Hasan, and Jishan Alam, all eager to break into the senior setup.
Meanwhile, BCB has confirmed a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands, scheduled for 30 August, 1 September, and 3 September — all to be played in Sylhet. The Dutch side arrives on 26 August, filling the void left by India’s postponed tour.
This series offers Bangladesh a final opportunity to test combinations before flying to the UAE for the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on 11 September, followed by fixtures against Sri Lanka (13 Sept) and Afghanistan (16 Sept), all in Abu Dhabi. The final will be held in Dubai on 28 September.
While the squad appears balanced, questions remain. The opening slot is still unsettled, with Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Emon, and Naim Sheikh all vying for consistency. The middle order lacks a reliable finisher, and the spin department may require sharper definition. The inclusion of fringe players in both the Darwin tour and the Netherlands series suggests selectors are keeping their options open.
Ultimately, this multi-pronged build-up reflects a more strategic mindset from BCB. If the players deliver and the selectors are bold, Bangladesh could enter the Asia Cup with clarity and confidence. If not, it may be another case of missed opportunity.
