The year 2025 in Bangladesh cricket was marked by a combination of achievement and individual brilliance. While the men's team struggled with consistency, several players reached historic milestones. The women's team achieved a significant feat, while the Under-19 side showed promise but faltered at a key moment, reports BSS.
Changes in BCB Leadership
Bangladesh first Test centurion Aminul Islam Bulbul was made BCB president in May and thereafter he became elected president through an election. Faruque Ahmed whom Bubul replaced as BCB president also took part in the election and became vice president.
An effort to eradicate corruption from BPL
Although the investigation report on last season's BPL fixing was not been published, the BCB has not put several suspected cricketers in the auction of this year's BPL. Like last time, the BCB has been in a dilemma while organizing the BPL at short notice. The day before the start of the BPL, the owners of Chattogram Royals informed that it was not possible for them to run the franchise. Later, the BCB took over the responsibility of the team.
Tamim Iqbal's heart attack and tragic deaths
2025 was also a year marked by health scares and tragic losses. On March 24, the cricketing world was stunned as former captain Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match. Tamim, who was playing for Mohammedan, was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital and received treatment. Thankfully, he recovered and is now doing well.
However, the cricket fraternity was struck by further tragedy later in the year. Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of the BPL team Dhaka Capitals, fell ill on the field and passed away shortly after just at the far end of the year. In October, Hasan Ahmed, the physiotherapist for the national cricket team in Barisal, also fell ill during a match and tragically passed away.
Women’s cricket controversy
In November, pacer Jahanara Alam accused former women’s team manager Manjurul Islam of sexual harassment and undue mental pressure, highlighting systemic challenges in women’s cricket. A five-member investigative committee has been formed, though its report remains pending.
Administrative turmoil and
club cricket disputes
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) politics remained turbulent. Following a leadership change in 2024, the controversial November elections saw cancelled councillorships, resignations, and boycotts by 43 clubs. Notably, eight teams abstained from the First Division Cricket League, citing illegitimacy in BCB’s election process.
Mixed results on the field
Bangladesh's men's cricket team had a year of ups and downs, with several solid performances tempered by inconsistencies. The year began with a hard-fought victory over Pakistan, but the team later suffered a setback by losing a series to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, their performance in ODIs was far from stellar. While Bangladesh won a series against the West Indies, they faltered in other series, losing to both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
The team's struggles continued in Test cricket, where despite playing three series, they only managed to win against Ireland. They drew against Zimbabwe, and also losing a series to Sri Lanka. This lack of consistency was a major concern throughout the year.
Bangladesh's women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the 2025 ODI World Cup. However, their performance in the tournament was disappointing, with just one win over Pakistan in the group stage.
The Under-19 team also had a solid start to the year, winning several bilateral series. However, they fell short of defending their Asia Cup title, losing their grip on what could have been a hat-trick of trophies in the regional tournament.
Individual brilliance
Despite the team's mixed results, 2025 saw several historic individual performances.
Taijul Islam made history by becoming Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's 246 Test wickets. Taijul also reached the 250-wicket milestone as first Bangladeshi bowler with a four- wicket haul against Ireland in November.
Mushfiqur Rahim achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a century in his 100th Test match, making him the first Bangladeshi player to do so. His 106 in the first innings against Ireland, along with an unbeaten 53 in the second innings, further cemented his place in the annals of Bangladeshi cricket.
While 11 batters have scored centuries in their 100th Test, Mushfiqur is the second to score 50 in both innings. Ricky Ponting scored centuries in both innings.
Galore of centuries
Bangladesh's batting line-up had a stellar year, accumulating 11 centuries in 2025, with nine coming in Tests. This was the joint-highest number of centuries for Bangladesh in a calendar year, equalling the record set in 2014.
In 2025, Bangladeshi cricket demonstrated remarkable resilience amid a series of challenges. The team produced moments of pride for the nation, yet persistent structural flaws, administrative shortcomings, and on-field inconsistencies remained evident, highlighting the areas that still require urgent attention.
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