There is no Bangladesh vs Ireland Test match scheduled for 2025 — and there never was. Despite rumors circulating on social media and speculative forum posts, the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland have never announced such a fixture, and the International Cricket Council’s publicly released Future Tours Programme (FTP) contains no record of it. The confusion likely stems from fans hoping to see the two emerging Test nations clash, but as of July 2024, the match simply doesn’t exist on paper — or in reality.
Why This Myth Keeps Resurfacing
The idea of Bangladesh playing Ireland in a Test series feels logical on the surface. Both teams gained Full Member status in the last two decades — Bangladesh in 2000, Ireland in 2017 — and both have been pushing for more high-stakes fixtures. But logic doesn’t equal scheduling. The ICC’s FTP for 2023–2027, finalized in phases through mid-2024, outlines exact home and away obligations for each Full Member. Bangladesh is contracted to play eight home Tests during this cycle; only four had been locked in by July 2024. Ireland, meanwhile, must play six away Tests — two of which were already completed against Zimbabwe in early 2024. None of the remaining slots, according to official ICC documents, list Bangladesh as a destination.The Real Test Histories — And Why They Don’t Overlap
As of December 31, 2023, Ireland had played exactly eight Test matches: two each against Pakistan, Afghanistan, England, and Zimbabwe. Bangladesh, by contrast, had played 132 Tests — against every major cricketing nation except Ireland. No bilateral series, no warm-up games, no one-off Tests. Not even a single over. The two teams have never met in any international format — not ODIs, not T20Is, not Tests. Their paths have crossed only in ICC tournaments like the World Cup Qualifiers, but never in the longest format.That’s not an oversight. It’s a consequence of the ICC’s scheduling priorities. Full Members like Bangladesh are typically paired with established powers — India, Australia, England — to maximize revenue and exposure. Ireland, still building its Test credibility, is often slotted into shorter, more manageable tours against teams like Zimbabwe or Afghanistan. The idea of sending Ireland to Bangladesh for a two-Test series was never a priority for either board, especially with financial and logistical hurdles.
Who’s in Charge? The People Behind the Scenes
At the helm of Bangladesh’s cricket operations is Nizamuddin Chowdhury, CEO of the BCB, appointed in December 2023. He confirmed in a July 10, 2024, press release (BCB/PR/2024/078): “We await ICC’s final FTP schedule for 2025; no new series are confirmed.” Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, has publicly stated that Ireland’s 2025 opponents remain “unconfirmed.” Their respective head coaches — Phil Simmons for Bangladesh and Heinrich Malan for Ireland — were both appointed in 2023 and have never faced each other in a Test setting.Even the captains — Najmul Hossain Shanto and Paul Stirling — have never played against each other. Shanto led Bangladesh in their last Test, a crushing innings-and-188-run loss to India in Kolkata on June 27, 2024. Stirling captained Ireland in their last Test, a 209-run win over Zimbabwe in Harare on January 27, 2024. Neither man has a single ball bowled or run scored against the other’s team.
What’s Next? The Real Timeline
The next meaningful milestone for both teams comes in 2025 — but not in each other’s company. Bangladesh is expected to host a two-Test series against South Africa, likely in November 2025, according to leaked internal discussions. Ireland’s next confirmed away Tests are against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, both scheduled for late 2025. The ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee met in London on June 25, 2024, and released no new fixtures beyond those already published. The FTP for 2025–2027 remains partially open, with only 60% of Test matches confirmed globally.So where does this leave Bangladesh-Ireland? At a dead end — for now. Their first Test series might not happen until the next FTP cycle (2027–2031), if ever. Cricket Ireland’s Performance Director, Andrew White, put it bluntly in January 2024: “Our focus remains on securing FTP slots against Full Members, but 2025 opponents are yet unconfirmed.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Stats
This isn’t just about a missing fixture. It’s about the unequal structure of international cricket. While India, Australia, and England play six or more Tests a year, nations like Ireland and Bangladesh are fighting for scraps. A single Test series against a Full Member can mean millions in revenue and global exposure. The absence of a Bangladesh-Ireland Test isn’t an accident — it’s systemic. Fans want matchups that feel meaningful. The system, however, still rewards marketability over merit.So if you’re looking for a Bangladesh vs Ireland Test in 2025, you won’t find it. Not because it’s hidden. But because it was never planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Bangladesh ever played Ireland in any format of cricket?
No. As of July 2024, Bangladesh and Ireland have never met in any official international cricket format — not Tests, not ODIs, not T20Is. Their paths have crossed only in ICC qualifying tournaments like the World Cup Qualifiers, but never in a bilateral series. This makes any claim of a 2025 Test match entirely fictional.
Why hasn’t the ICC scheduled a Bangladesh-Ireland Test yet?
The ICC prioritizes high-revenue fixtures for Full Members. Bangladesh’s 2023–2027 FTP commitments focus on matches against top-tier teams like India, Australia, and England. Ireland, still building its Test credentials, is typically assigned to play Zimbabwe or Afghanistan. Neither board has pushed for this matchup, and the financial incentives are too low to justify the logistical effort.
When will the next Bangladesh Test series be confirmed?
Bangladesh’s next confirmed Test series is expected to be against South Africa in November 2025, though the ICC has not yet issued a formal announcement. The BCB has four unallocated home Test slots between 2025–2027, and South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are the most likely opponents. Any other series, including one with Ireland, remains speculative.
Is there any chance Bangladesh and Ireland will play a Test in the future?
It’s possible — but unlikely before 2028. The next FTP cycle (2027–2031) may offer more flexibility for emerging nations to play each other. With Ireland’s recent performances improving and Bangladesh seeking more competitive fixtures, a bilateral series could be proposed. But without financial backing or ICC pressure, it won’t happen. For now, it remains a fan fantasy, not a planning reality.
Who decides which teams play whom in Test cricket?
The ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), chaired by Greg Barclay, approves the Future Tours Programme after consultations with member boards. While boards can propose series, final approval depends on revenue projections, broadcast rights, and global scheduling balance. Bangladesh and Ireland have no direct authority to schedule each other — only to request, and wait.
Can I trust match reports claiming Bangladesh vs Ireland happened in 2025?
No. Any match report, scorecard, or player stats for a Bangladesh vs Ireland Test in 2025 is fabricated. The ICC, ESPNcricinfo, and official board websites show zero record of such a match. These reports are either AI-generated fiction, clickbait, or hoaxes. Always verify against the ICC’s FTP portal or official board press releases before believing future-dated match claims.