The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will host a special reception at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on 26 June to honour the country’s inaugural Test team, marking 25 years since Bangladesh was granted Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The event, titled ‘Bangladesh’s 25 Years in Test Cricket Celebration’, will recognise players and officials involved in Bangladesh’s maiden Test against India in November 2000. Cricketers who have represented the Tigers in the longest format since that historic occasion are also expected to be invited.
AEM Kawser, BCB’s game development manager, confirmed the board’s plans on Wednesday, stating that the commemorative event will feature a media interaction session with the inaugural Test players and officials.
“Alongside the reception, they [inaugural Test players and officials] will have an interaction with the media where they will share memories of the inaugural Test,” Kawser said. “Those who are available will be invited to the event. There might be more programmes like short musical or cultural shows during the event.”
As part of the wider celebrations, the board is also organising an U-12 Cricket Carnival across all 64 districts and five divisional headquarters, which will run from 21 to 25 June.
“The U-12 Cricket Carnival will take place in 64 districts, which will be part of the main programme,” Kawser added. “Six-a-side matches among six teams in both boys’ and girls’ categories, parents’ interaction, quiz and fun activities will take place there, which will be organised by respective district sports associations.”
He further mentioned that similar events in five divisional centres will be coordinated directly by the BCB, reinforcing their commitment to promoting grassroots cricket across the country.
The occasion is set to be a nostalgic celebration of Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket, from humble beginnings to their current status as an established Test-playing nation.