Bangladesh is set to kick off a busy T20 international season with a two-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The matches are scheduled for May 17 and May 19, starting at 7:00 pm local time, providing both teams with valuable match practice ahead of their upcoming commitments.
Series Overview and Schedule
Dates: May 17 and May 19, 2025
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Match Timing: 7:00 pm local time
Format: Two T20 International matches
This series marks the second bilateral T20I encounter between Bangladesh and UAE in three years. The last time these teams met was in Dubai in September 2022, where Bangladesh secured a 2-0 series win.
Importance of the Series
For Bangladesh, this series is the starting point of a packed T20 calendar. Following the UAE tour, Bangladesh will head to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series before moving on to other international fixtures, including a tour of Sri Lanka and hosting India later in the year. These matches are crucial for Bangladesh as they prepare for the 2025 Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka and India.
For the UAE, hosting Bangladesh offers a significant opportunity to test their skills against a full-member nation and fine-tune their squad ahead of the 2025 ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup.
Statements from Cricket Boards
Subhan Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed enthusiasm about hosting Bangladesh:
“We are excited to host the Bangladesh Men’s team for another bilateral T20I series with the UAE Men’s team. The Emirates Cricket Board is always keen on providing opportunities to the UAE’s national side against quality opponents. This two-match series will provide an ideal preparation opportunity for UAE ahead of this year’s ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup.”
Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, CEO of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, highlighted the value of the series:
“We are pleased to see the Bangladesh national team’s return to the UAE. The BCB values the opportunity to engage in competitive cricket and we appreciate the initiative of the Emirates Cricket Board in arranging this T20I series. These matches will serve as an important part of our team’s preparations ahead of a packed international calendar, including the upcoming Asia Cup. We are confident that these two games will further strengthen the cricketing ties between the BCB and ECB and provide quality entertainment to the cricket fans.”
What Comes After the UAE Series for Bangladesh?
- Pakistan Tour: A five-match T20I series starting shortly after the UAE matches, with Bangladesh arriving in Pakistan on May 21. The series will be played across Faisalabad and Lahore, concluding on June 3.
- Sri Lanka Tour: Scheduled to include two Tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is.
- Home Series vs India: Three ODIs and three T20Is planned in August.
- Asia Cup 2025: Both Bangladesh and UAE will participate in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in September.
Why This Series Matters
- Preparation: Both teams will use these matches as vital preparation for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
- Competitive Edge: Bangladesh aims to maintain momentum and test combinations before their longer tours. UAE gains experience against a strong opponent.
- Fan Engagement: The series promises exciting cricket at a historic venue, Sharjah, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cricketing heritage.
FAQs
Q1: When and where will Bangladesh play the T20Is against UAE?
They will play two T20Is on May 17 and May 19, 2025, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
Q2: What is the significance of this series for Bangladesh?
It serves as a warm-up before their Pakistan tour and helps prepare the team for a busy international calendar, including the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Q3: How did Bangladesh perform in their last T20I series against UAE?
Bangladesh won the two-match series 2-0 in Dubai in September 2022.
Q4: What comes after the UAE series for Bangladesh?
Bangladesh will tour Pakistan for five T20Is, then play Tests, ODIs, and T20Is in Sri Lanka, followed by home series against India.
Q5: Will UAE benefit from this series?
Yes, playing against a full-member nation like Bangladesh provides valuable experience and preparation ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup.
Bangladesh’s two-match T20I series against UAE in Sharjah promises to be an exciting curtain-raiser to their busy 2025 cricket season. Both teams will look to gain momentum and sharpen their skills as they gear up for major tournaments later in the year. Fans can expect competitive and entertaining cricket under the lights at one of the UAE’s most iconic cricket venues.