BCB Postpones Sri Lanka A Tour Amid Busy DPL 2026 Schedule
BCB Adjusts Schedule as DPL 2026 Takes Priority
In a significant development for the domestic cricket landscape in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially confirmed the postponement of the highly anticipated Sri Lanka A tour. The series, which was originally slated to take place later this month, featured a comprehensive itinerary consisting of two four-day matches and three one-day encounters. The decision reflects the board’s commitment to prioritizing the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL), which is currently at a crucial juncture.
Shahriar Nafees, the in-charge of BCB’s cricket operations, provided clarity on the matter, noting that the shift was necessary due to the packed domestic calendar. “The A team’s arrival has been postponed because of the DPL. They also had requested us for a change in schedule. We will definitely reschedule it at some point,” Nafees stated. While no specific dates have been announced for the rescheduled fixtures, the board remains intent on hosting the series at a more opportune time.
The DPL 2026 Factor
The Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League remains the heartbeat of Bangladesh’s domestic cricket scene. Running from May 4 to June 11, the 2026 edition features 12 clubs competing in a rigorous List A format. The tournament has attracted significant attention, largely due to the participation of several top-tier national team stars. Key players like Mahedi Hasan, representing Legends of Rupganj, Jaker Ali for Abahani Limited, and the formidable pace bowler Shoriful Islam, who has joined Brothers Union Limited, are all actively competing, making the league a central focus for selectors and fans alike.
Currently, the league standings illustrate a fierce battle for supremacy. Mohammedan Club has emerged as the early pace-setter, boasting an unblemished record of four wins in four matches and a commanding net run rate of +2.737. Prime Bank Cricket Club follows closely in second place, having also secured four victories but trailing slightly in net run rate at +1.955.
Zimbabwe HP Tour and Future Engagements
While the Sri Lanka A series has been moved, the pipeline for talent development remains active. Shahriar Nafees confirmed that a Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) squad is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next month. This tour will provide a vital platform for emerging players, consisting of two four-day matches and three one-day games, facilitating a high-intensity environment for the next generation of cricketers.
Bangladesh A and Emerging Squads to Visit South Africa
Looking further ahead, the BCB has finalized an ambitious overseas tour for its development squads. Throughout July and August, the Bangladesh men’s and women’s Emerging teams, alongside the men’s A squad, will head to South Africa to test their mettle in foreign conditions.
The men’s A team is set to face South Africa A, with the schedule beginning with a four-day match in Pretoria from August 23 to 26, followed by a second match in Potchefstroom from August 30 to September 2. The limited-overs leg will feature matches in Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Potchefstroom throughout September.
Simultaneously, the Emerging team will engage in a competitive tri-series against South Africa Emerging and USSA from July 30 to August 12. Following this, they will participate in a two-match four-day series in Potchefstroom and Benoni. These international exposures are critical for the BCB’s long-term strategy to build depth across all formats of the game, ensuring that the transition from domestic success to international readiness is as seamless as possible for the nation’s rising stars.
