The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that the Bangladesh men’s cricket team will tour Pakistan in May 2025 for a five-match T20 International (T20I) series. The series, part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), was originally slated to include three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is. However, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, both boards have agreed to replace the ODIs with two additional T20Is to better prepare for the tournament.
The tour will mark a significant moment for Pakistani cricket, as Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium is set to host international cricket for the first time in 17 years. The historic venue last welcomed an international fixture in April 2008, also featuring Bangladesh.
Match Venues and Schedule
The five T20Is will be split between Faisalabad and Lahore, with all matches scheduled to begin at 8 PM local time:
- May 21: Bangladesh team arrives in Pakistan
- May 25: 1st T20I – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- May 27: 2nd T20I – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- May 30: 3rd T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- June 1: 4th T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- June 3: 5th T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Bangladesh will conduct training sessions at Iqbal Stadium from May 22 to 24 in preparation for the series.
Return of International Cricket to Faisalabad
Iqbal Stadium, a venue that has hosted 24 Test matches and 16 ODIs between 1978 and 2008, has recently seen a revival through domestic tournaments, including the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup and the National T20 Cup. Its return to the international stage marks a major milestone for cricket in the region.
Recent Form and Context
The announcement comes shortly after Pakistan’s disappointing home series against New Zealand, where the team lost both the ODI series (3-0) and the T20I series (4-1). Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently underway, with the final set for May 18.
Bangladesh last visited Pakistan in September 2024 for a historic two-match Test series, which they won 2-0 — their first-ever Test series whitewash against Pakistan.
