On June 26, 2000, Bangladesh earned its rightful place in the history of Test cricket as the 10th nation to gain Test status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This historic achievement was commemorated on Thursday, as the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur became a vibrant hub of nostalgia and celebration, marking 25 years of Bangladesh’s Test cricket journey.
The day was graced by the presence of Bangladesh’s first-ever Test players, coaching staff, and key cricketing figures. Among the original squad that faced India in that landmark Test were Akram Khan, Khaled Masud Pilot, Naimur Rahman Durjoy, and Al Shahriar Rokon—although some players were absent, the spirit of their achievement was felt by all. The team’s coach during that historic match, Sarwar Imran, also joined the gathering, adding to the aura of the occasion.
The celebrations kicked off with a heartfelt speech from Aminul Islam Bulbul, the current president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the first-ever Bangladeshi Test centurion. Bulbul’s words reflected on the challenges and triumphs over the last 25 years, honouring the efforts of those who contributed to the country’s rise in international cricket.
Following Bulbul, Asif Mahmood Sajeeb Bhuiyan, the Youth and Sports Advisor to the Interim Government, addressed the gathering. He shared the government’s plans to boost school cricket by installing synthetic wickets in 100 schools across the nation. Bhuiyan’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
The celebrations then took a more personal touch, with the recognition of the pioneering Test cricketers. Each member of the original squad was called onto the stage, where they were presented with a special blazer—designed in the style of the original Test blazers worn back in 2000. The ceremony included a warm welcome with flower garlands, a poignant tribute to the players who had set the stage for Bangladesh’s cricketing future.
Alongside this, the players were invited to sign a commemorative Test shirt, which was later framed and displayed as a lasting reminder of their invaluable contribution to the sport in the country. The likes of Bulbul, Rajin Saleh, Javed Omar Belim, and others left their signatures on the shirt, immortalising the memory of that ground-breaking Test match.
After the formalities, the players shared their personal reflections on the 2000 Test match. Some recalled the tension of debuting on the global stage, while others reminisced about the unshakeable sense of pride that came with representing Bangladesh in the international arena for the first time. These stories of struggle, perseverance, and hope resonated deeply with all present.
The celebrations culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a memorable photo session, capturing the unity and joy of the moment. It was not only a celebration of the past but also a look forward to the future of Bangladesh Test cricket.
A new milestone: Honours Board unveiled
In an inspiring move, the BCB also unveiled a new Honour Board at the players’ enclosure within their headquarters, which now displays the names of all Bangladesh Test cricketers. This addition to the BCB office serves as a permanent tribute to the nation’s Test cricket heroes, ensuring that their names and contributions are etched into history for generations to come.
The 25th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Test cricket journey marks a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history. While the day was filled with celebrations, it also served as a poignant reminder of how far Bangladesh has come in the international cricketing arena. With a new Honour Board and a vision for developing young talent, the future of Bangladesh’s Test cricket looks brighter than ever.
This anniversary is not just about remembering past glories; it is about embracing the future with hope, ambition, and a commitment to excellence. Bangladesh’s Test cricket journey has just begun—and this celebration marks a pivotal moment in a continuing story of success.