Bangladesh could return to a busy international schedule in October, with a potential three-nation one-day series involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe under consideration.
The Bangladesh team have just completed their two-Test series in Australia, with the contest ending 1-1. Following the demanding overseas assignment, the players are expected to get a few days of rest after returning home before beginning preparations for their next commitments.
Bangladesh’s September schedule could also depend on whether India travel to the country as planned. If the proposed India tour does not take place, national-team players such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are expected to use the period to work on their fitness and technical skills.
The schedule is set to become considerably busier from the beginning of October. Bangladesh are expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates to face Afghanistan in a series comprising one Test and three one-day internationals.
Preparations for the Bangladesh-Afghanistan series are reportedly close to completion, with the dates and venues expected to be announced in the coming days. The proposed fixtures would give Bangladesh an opportunity to resume competitive cricket after the Australia assignment and continue building towards their wider international commitments.
There could, however, be an addition to the October itinerary.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board official told an online news outlet that discussions are under way over the possibility of including Zimbabwe in the programme. If Zimbabwe agree to participate, Bangladesh and Afghanistan could face them in a three-team one-day international series.
Such an arrangement would increase the number of matches Bangladesh are scheduled to play during the period. It would also provide the national side with additional competitive opportunities in the one-day format, rather than limiting the October trip to the planned bilateral series against Afghanistan.
The proposal has not yet been finalised. The organisers are currently waiting for a decision from Zimbabwe Cricket before the expanded schedule can be confirmed.
For Bangladesh, the outcome of those discussions will determine whether October becomes a straightforward bilateral assignment against Afghanistan or a more demanding multi-team campaign. With the Test and one-day series already being prepared, the possible inclusion of Zimbabwe could add further intensity to what is shaping up to be a busy period for the national side.
A final announcement on the schedule is expected once the relevant boards reach an agreement and Zimbabwe confirm whether they will take part.
