Bangladesh and Nepal could soon write a new chapter in their sporting diplomacy, with plans underway to stage a landmark maiden bilateral cricket series between the two nations early next year. While both countries have encountered each other twice in international cricket—both fixtures occurring on the global stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup—they have never contested a standalone bilateral series.
The initiative gathered momentum following a formal meeting between Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, and Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haq. Ambassador Bhandari conveyed his country’s strong desire to host the Bangladesh national cricket team, citing the powerful role sports can play in lifting public spirits. Nepal was recently hit by severe flooding that caused widespread damage, and Nepalese authorities view a high-profile cricket series as a vital instrument to inspire resilience and bring positivity to the affected population.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has responded favorably to the proposal, recognizing both its humanitarian sentiment and diplomatic value. Speaking to journalists at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, BCB Cricket Operations Manager Shahriar Nafees confirmed that active dialogue is taking place between the two governing bodies.
“Discussions are ongoing between the BCB and the Cricket Association of Nepal,” Nafees noted. “Our Future Tours Programme (FTP) is exceedingly packed, making schedule management a challenge. Even so, we are actively searching for a suitable window within this current cycle to accommodate the matches. If everything aligns as planned, the series will certainly go ahead.”
Nafees reaffirmed that both boards share a mutual interest in making the tour a reality. “It is our intention to hold this series within the ongoing cycle. The Cricket Association of Nepal made a formal request, and we are evaluating it with the utmost positivity.”
For Nepal, competing against a full-member ICC nation like Bangladesh represents a monumental step forward. The Nepalese cricket team has been making steady strides in international cricket over recent years, and a series against seasoned opposition would provide invaluable experience, boost local sporting infrastructure, and enhance the game’s popularity across the region. For Bangladesh, it offers a fresh competitive challenge while expanding their cricketing footprint in South Asia.
Finding a clear spot on the calendar remains the primary hurdle for the BCB. Having recently wrapped up a tour of Australia, the national squad is pivoting towards the Asian Games, with preparatory camps commencing at Mirpur. Following the Asian Games later this month, Bangladesh will travel to the United Arab Emirates to play a Test match against Afghanistan alongside a tri-nation series involving Zimbabwe. Fitting another fixture into this relentless schedule will require careful coordination, but both boards remain optimistic about locking in dates early next year.