Bangladesh Cricket Team: History, Governing Body and Major Moments
Profile of the Bangladesh cricket team: ICC Trophy win in 1997, Test status in 2000, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, home venues and landmark results.
The Bangladesh national cricket team, nicknamed the Tigers, represents one of the most passionate cricketing nations in the world. Administered by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the team earned Test status in 2000 and has steadily grown into a competitive side in white-ball cricket, with a loud and devoted fan base.
Road to full membership
Bangladesh became an associate member of the International Cricket Council in 1977. A key moment came in 1997 when the team won the ICC Trophy, the qualifying tournament for the World Cup, beating Kenya in the final in Kuala Lumpur, which earned qualification for the 1999 World Cup. The following year Bangladesh was granted full membership and Test status, and it played its first Test against India in Dhaka in November 2000.
Early struggles and landmark wins
The team found the early years in Test cricket difficult. In one-day cricket, however, it produced some notable results. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan at the 1999 World Cup at Northampton, the first major upset by the team, and beat India at the 2007 World Cup in Port of Spain, a result that helped to eliminate India from the competition. The side also beat Australia in an ODI in 2005 in Cardiff, the first win over Australia.
Milestones in the 2010s
In the 2010s the team recorded a first Test win over England, in Dhaka in 2016, and beat South Africa in a home ODI series in 2015. Bangladesh reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 ODI World Cup, after beating England in Adelaide to eliminate them, and the team reached the Asia Cup finals in 2012, 2016 and 2018. Players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim became central figures in this rise.
Home grounds
The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, is the country’s largest cricket ground and a regular venue for international matches. Other venues include the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Pitches in Bangladesh generally assist spin bowling, which the team has used well at home.
Domestic competition
The domestic franchise Twenty20 competition, the Bangladesh Premier League, started in 2012 and is a major platform for local players, who play alongside overseas cricketers.
Frequently asked questions
When did Bangladesh get Test status?
Bangladesh became a full ICC member and played its first Test in 2000.
What is the main stadium in Bangladesh?
The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Which board runs cricket in Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, known as the BCB.