Ahead of World Cup: Bangladesh and Pakistan to play eight T20s instead of ODIs

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to switch their planned ODI series into T20 formats. 

The decision comes as both nations look to focus on T20 preparation for the World Cup and the Asia Cup, which will also be played in the T20 format.

Originally, Bangladesh was scheduled to play a five-match ODI series in Pakistan in May, and Pakistan was set to visit Bangladesh in July for a three-match ODI series. 

However, the two cricket boards have mutually decided to replace the ODIs with T20s. 

Now, the May series in Pakistan and the July series in Bangladesh will feature eight T20 matches, with the matches in Bangladesh to be held in Mirpur on July 20, 22, and 24.

An unnamed official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) explained the reasoning behind the switch, saying, 

"The upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup will be in the T20 format. That’s why both boards have agreed that it’s better to play more T20 matches right now. Additionally, Pakistan, like Bangladesh, is in a phase of transition, and many of their experienced players are absent. Therefore, they also need more matches in the T20 format to form a competitive team."

This change in format is seen as a direct response to the upcoming international cricket events, where T20 cricket will take center stage. 

With both the World Cup and Asia Cup being T20 tournaments, the focus on the T20 format has become even more critical for teams like Bangladesh and Pakistan to fine-tune their skills.

Despite this shift to T20s, Bangladesh currently has no permanent T20 captain. 

Najmul Hossain, who led the T20 team in the past, announced in January that he would step down from the role. 

However, he made it clear that he would be willing to lead the Test and ODI teams if the board requested. 

His captaincy during the Champions Trophy marked the end of his time as T20 captain.

The BCB has indicated that no immediate changes will be made to the captaincy, with Najmul expected to continue as the Test captain during the upcoming Zimbabwe series. 

As for the ODI captain, it’s likely that Najmul will remain in charge. However, a final decision on both the ODI and T20 captains is not expected to be made until the board’s upcoming meeting.

The T20 series against Pakistan in May will give the BCB more time to decide on the captain for the T20 format, with Litton Das being seen as a strong candidate for the role. 

The national team’s cricketers are currently involved in the Premier League, with preparations for the home Test series against Zimbabwe set to begin on April 11. 

The first Test will take place in Sylhet on April 20, and the second Test will start in Chattogram on April 28.

As the cricketing world gears up for the T20 World Cup, these changes are likely to have a significant impact on Bangladesh’s preparation, and the series against Pakistan will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s approach to the upcoming tournaments.