Northern Territory Cricket has confirmed that Asian heavyweights Pakistan and Bangladesh will return to Darwin in August for the 2025 edition of the Top End T20 Series.
Pakistan Shaheens — the country’s ‘A’ side — will feature for a third successive year following appearances in 2023 and 2024. Bangladesh ‘A’, who finished runners-up in last year’s final against the Adelaide Strikers Academy, will look to go one better this time around.
The much-anticipated tournament opener will see Pakistan and Bangladesh face off at TIO Stadium on Thursday, 14 August at 7pm. The fixture will double as a stand-alone marquee match celebrating Pakistan Independence Day, marking one of the highlights of the competition.
This year’s edition will feature two ICC Full Members and one ICC Associate Member, with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) also returning alongside the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Further participating teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
The tournament, now regarded as a key development platform, offers a glimpse into the future of subcontinental cricket. The BCB and PCB have once again chosen to field their next generation of internationals in Australian conditions — providing invaluable exposure and experience.
Bangladesh’s 2024 squad included T20I-regulars Ripon Mondol and Rakibul Hasan, both 22, and 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon, who recently smashed a 53-ball century against the UAE in a T20I.
Pakistan’s player pathway through the Top End T20 Series has already borne fruit. Usman Khan (19 T20Is), Irfan Khan (14 T20Is), Jahandad Khan (8 T20Is), Arafat Minhas (4 T20Is), and Rohail Nazir (3 T20Is) all made their international debuts after impressing in Darwin.
‘An honour to host two giants of the game’
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey expressed his excitement about welcoming back both sides.
“We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game,” Dovey said.
“The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study. I don’t think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.”
“Pakistan (255 million) and Bangladesh (170 million) are two of the ten most populous countries in the world, and with Nepal (30 million) also involved, the Top End T20 is a serious platform to showcase this incredible part of Australia.”
Bangladesh and Pakistan underline commitment to development
BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury highlighted the value of the series in building Bangladesh’s cricketing future.
“We’re pleased to be returning to Darwin for the 2025 Top End T20 Series, which has quickly become an important fixture in our calendar,” said Chowdhury.
“Playing in Australian conditions against quality opposition offers valuable experience for our emerging players and supports our broader development objectives.”
“Our continued partnership with Northern Territory Cricket reflects a shared commitment to building strong international ties through the game. We’re particularly looking forward to the opening night clash on 14 August and the opportunity to showcase the talent coming through Bangladesh cricket.”
PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed echoed the sentiment.
“We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens’ participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year,” Syed said.
“This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions.”
“We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.”
Teams confirmed so far for the 2025 Top End T20 Series:
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Nepal National Team
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Pakistan Shaheens (‘A’)
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Bangladesh ‘A’
The full fixture list and remaining teams will be announced in the coming weeks.