Bangladesh’s national cricket team has begun its tour of Sri Lanka, aiming to reset and regain momentum in all three formats of the game.
Players were seen leaving for Colombo on Thursday and Friday, joined by family members and coaching staff, as excitement built around the full-format series starting with two Test matches.
Fans gathered today (13 June) at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars despite cricket’s recent struggles in Bangladesh.
Family travels and familiar faces
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam arrived with his entire family, including his wife, son, and daughter. Many fans initially thought they were simply there to see him off. But it became clear he would be traveling with them when they entered the terminal together.
Wicketkeeper-batter Zakir Ali and newly appointed ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz arrived together in one vehicle. Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to travel separately, seen carefully checking his luggage before entering the airport.
Shanto’s focus now turns fully to personal performance after handing over ODI captaincy duties to Miraz.
Star batter Anamul Haque Bijoy took time to greet enthusiastic fans at the airport, shaking hands and posing for photos.
High hopes for the Test series
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim will be the team’s most experienced player on this tour. His leadership and confidence will likely be key as Bangladesh begins the series with Tests.
Pacer Khaled Ahmed, wearing sunglasses and dressed in white, made a stylish appearance. Specialist Test batter Sadman Islam was accompanied by his father, who came to see him off, a moment that drew warm reactions from those around them.
Fresh challenges under new coaching staff
Under head coach Phil Simmons, the team hopes to find renewed form. While preparations have been somewhat limited, the squad appears motivated to deliver better results.
The first batch of players and coaching staff, including Mahidul Islam Ankon, Nahid Rana, spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed, and pace bowling coach Andre Adams, reached Sri Lanka on Thursday. The second group departed Friday afternoon.
Before the tour, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) named a 16-member squad for the Test series. Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain returns after nearly two years away from the team due to injury.
The team will kick off the series with the first Test in Galle on June 17, and the final Test is scheduled to begin on June 25 in Colombo.
