Credit: ICC
Bangladesh are going through a successful phase in T20Is, having beaten Pakistan and Sri Lanka this year in bilateral series. In order to test the preparedness of the team before the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, a limited-overs series at home against India was planned earlier, which was to include three ODIs and three T20Is from August 17 to 31. But the cancellation of India’s tour, attributed to scheduling conflicts in July 2025, left Bangladesh without international cricket in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.
Amid such a scenario, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that the Netherlands cricket team will tour Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series later this month, marking their first-ever bilateral series in the country. The announcement comes as a strategic move by the BCB to reportedly fill the void left by the cancellation of India’s white-ball tour, ensuring Bangladesh’s players remain match-ready for the regional tournament. The matches will be played from August 30 to September 3, 2025, in Sylhet.
Netherlands last played in Bangladesh during T20 World Cup 2014
Reportedly, this series is a significant milestone for Netherlands cricket, as it marks their first bilateral tour to Bangladesh, building on their previous appearance in the country during the 2014 T20 World Cup, where they secured a memorable victory against Ireland.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are looking to capitalise on this opportunity to fine-tune their squad against a full-member nation. Historically, Bangladesh have dominated their T20I encounters, winning four out of five matches, including a 25-run victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. The BCB has also named a preliminary 25-man squad for the Asia Cup 2025, led by Litton Das, with key players like Nurul Hasan recalled, though some will join a Bangladesh A team tour to Australia, potentially affecting their availability for the Netherlands series.
Moreover, the Dutch team’s spirited performance during their T20 World Cup 2014 appearance in Bangladesh, where they advanced to the main round, underscores their potential to challenge stronger sides. The upcoming series will allow the Netherlands to test their mettle in subcontinental conditions, a valuable experience ahead of the Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Asia Cup is scheduled to begin from September 9, 2025, in which Bangladesh is in Group B featuring Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
