BCB target Nepal bilateral series within 2027 FTP cycle after formal invitation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed it is actively looking to play a bilateral series against Nepal by 2027, after the Nepal Cricket Association formally invited Bangladesh to play on their own turf.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Shahriar Nafees, BCB cricket operation in-charge, revealed that the Nepal Cricket Association had sent a proposal some time ago expressing interest in a bilateral series with Bangladesh, and that the board has taken the invitation very positively.

“The Nepal Cricket Board sent us a proposal quite some time ago, expressing their interest in playing a bilateral series with Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken that invitation very positively,” said Nafees.

He added that discussions are underway between the two boards, though Bangladesh's Future Tours Programme (FTP) is very packed. The board is, however, confident of finding a convenient slot within the current FTP cycle, which runs until 2027.

“So, discussions are taking place between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Nepal Cricket Association. If everything matches properly, because we know that our FTP is very packed, even then, if we can positively choose a convenient time within this cycle, we are trying to do that. If everything goes well, hopefully this series can take place,” he said.

“The cycle is until 2027. We have the intention to do it within this cycle, and there is also that request from the Nepal Cricket Association. So, we are positively working it out. When it reaches a stage where it is possible to say something, or when we reach a position where we can say whether it is happening or not, then we will be able to inform you in due time. But I can confirm this much: there has been communication from the Nepal Cricket Association, and we are looking at it very positively,” he said.

Asian Games prep and Afghanistan series conditioning underway

Beyond the Nepal talks, Nafees also provided updates on Bangladesh's immediate commitments. The preparation phase for the Bangladesh team bound for the Asian Games is set to begin with skills training from Sunday, while the remaining players selected for the Afghanistan series have already started a conditioning camp.

“In the meantime, from this morning, the remaining players for the Afghanistan series have already started a conditioning camp. We know that in Afghanistan we will play Tests and ODIs, so the players who are not involved in the Asian Games have already started a conditioning camp today,” he added.

According to Nafees, the camp will continue until the team leaves for the UAE. Once the two squads depart for their respective destinations, the remaining players will join the NCL. The board says its long-term planning is well ahead of schedule — practice session planning for 2026 was completed back in 2025, with 2027 planning due to be mapped out in 2026.

“So, planning-wise, we are on track. Everything is specified. In fact, the planning for our practice sessions for 2026 was done back in 2025. We more or less know when what will be played. Again, the planning for 2027 will be done in 2026. So, our projection is there beforehand, and then fine-tuning is done,” he said.

Afghanistan series venues expected next week

On the venue front for the Afghanistan series, Nafees said the Afghanistan Cricket Board will finalise the location since it is Afghanistan's home series, with the UAE serving as the neutral host. He noted that venues in the UAE are limited, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah all possibilities, and confirmation expected in the coming week.

“Since this is Afghanistan's home series, they will finalise the venue. But we understand that venues in the UAE are actually very limited. It could be Dubai, or it could be Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. The Afghanistan Cricket Board may confirm the venue in the coming week, where it is taking place,” he concluded.