The members of Bangladesh’s maiden Test team will reunite today (Thursday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium as part of a week-long celebration marking 25 years since the country was awarded Test status by the International Cricket Council.
Although Bangladesh officially became a Test-playing nation on 26 June 2000, their debut Test match came later that year, on 10 November, against India in Dhaka.
To honour this historic milestone, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is bringing together all members of that inaugural Test squad. The players will be presented with commemorative blazers and caps during a special ceremony at Mirpur. A cake-cutting and photo session have also been arranged to mark the occasion.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan is expected to attend as the chief guest.
“We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to play in Bangladesh’s first-ever Test,” said current BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, who captained the side in that historic match and remains the country’s first Test centurion.
Speaking at the Riya Gop Women’s Complex in Dhanmondi yesterday, Bulbul reflected on the sense of camaraderie that marked the early days of Bangladesh’s Test journey. “We have invited all the members of that first Test team. The aim is to relive those moments and to ensure the bond among us as cricketers stays strong.”
Bulbul, who assumed office as BCB President last month, was instrumental in initiating the silver jubilee celebrations. He acknowledged the contributions of former players who paved the way but never had the chance to wear the whites of Test cricket.
“Faruque Bhai, Atahar Ali Bhai, Nannu Bhai – many of our seniors didn’t get the chance to play Test cricket. We consider ourselves lucky,” he said.
To commemorate the occasion nationwide, the BCB has rolled out a series of events, including an Under-12 six-a-side tournament across divisional cities, a pacer and spinner talent hunt, interactive fan experiences, and even a dedicated commentary booth and ‘Good Luck Wish Board’.
According to Bulbul, the celebrations serve a dual purpose. “One reason is to mark 25 years of our Test journey. But just as important is to reignite the passion for cricket in regions where the game has gone quiet. I believe we’ve done that successfully.”
The celebrations are set to continue throughout the week, reflecting not just on the past, but also hoping to inspire a brighter future for Bangladesh cricket.