Bangladesh are set to play at least 64 Test matches and 93 one-day internationals and 27 Twenty20 internationals upto 2022, according to new Future Tour Programme proposals, said the Bangladesh Cricket Board officials on Thursday. BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury briefed the officials of the cricket operation committee on Thursday ahead of International Cricket Council next month when new FTP formats will be discussed.
The new FTP agreements will be signed under a bilateral arrangement unlike the past when all 10 Test playing countries signed just one document.
While the new rule created a stumbling block for Bangladesh to get Test matches against some top teams, it also opened a window for them to discuss the schedule with friendly boards.
‘We are working on the FTP arrangement with different boards,’ Nizamuddin told New Age. ‘At the moment, we are set to play 60 plus Test matches and 90 ODIs, but this could be more as the discussion is still on.’
BCB officials said they are satisfied with the works that were done so far.
‘At the moments it’s pleasing for us,’ said media committee chairman Jalal Yunus. I am sure we will get more matches after FTP is completed.’
It was learnt that the FTP includes eight three-match Test series of the Tigers against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Of the three-Test series, five will be played at home while two in Zimbabwe and one in New Zealand.
Bangladesh’s maiden tour to India has been slated for August 2016 while India are likely to visit in 2020.
Australia will tour Bangladesh to play Tests in October 2015 and February 2020 and will host the Tigers for two Tests and three ODIs in August 2017. According to draft FTP, England will not host Bangladesh for any series but will visit the country four times.
BCB’s cricket operation chairman Akram Khan, however, is yet to give up hopes for a visit in England.
‘We can always improve our relationship through fruitful negotiations,’ said Akram.
During the FTP period, Bangladesh will play at least six series against Zimbabwe and seven series against New Zealand.
Bangladesh will host New Zealand three times while they are scheduled to tour New Zealand in 2016-17, 2019, 2021 and 2022-23.
The least number of series are against South Africa and Pakistan, with Bangladesh playing them twice each during this cycle.
-With New Age input
