Bangladesh to Face UAE in Sharjah T20I Series Ahead of Busy Cricket Season
Bangladesh’s men’s national cricket team is set to take on the United Arab Emirates in a two-match T20I series at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 17 and 19. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officially announced the fixture, which comes as both teams gear up for a packed international season.
This marks the second time in three years that Bangladesh and UAE will compete in a bilateral T20I series. Bangladesh won the series 2-0 in their most recent meeting, which was played in Dubai in 2022.
The Emirates Cricket Board’s Chief Operating Officer, Subhan Ahmad, said he was excited to host the Bangladeshi team once more. He stated that by playing against well-established Full Member countries, the ECB hopes to provide the UAE team with significant exposure. “This series is a continuation of our commitment to competitive cricket and player development,” said Ahmad. He also highlighted that in recent years, the UAE has hosted other top-tier teams like New Zealand, West Indies, and Afghanistan.
The upcoming T20Is are seen as a vital opportunity for the UAE team to prepare ahead of the 2025 ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Ahmad praised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for their support and described the Sharjah venue as one of the finest for fast-paced T20 cricket action.
BCB Chief Executive Officer Nizam Uddin Chowdhury also welcomed the series, stating it offers an excellent platform for his team as they head into a hectic international schedule. “We value the cooperation with the ECB and see these games as key preparation for the Asia Cup and beyond,” he said. Chowdhury also emphasized that the tour reinforces the strengthening ties between the two cricketing boards.
Following the UAE series, Bangladesh will travel to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series. Their schedule continues with a tour of Sri Lanka that includes two Tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is. In August, they will host India for a limited-overs series, which will also serve as crucial preparation for the Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, the UAE national team is currently participating in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 in the Netherlands, where they are struggling at the bottom of the table with only two wins in 11 matches. This upcoming series with Bangladesh provides them with a timely chance to regroup and gain form against strong opposition.