DHAKA, Sep 13: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is exploring the possibility of playing a bilateral series against Nepal before the end of the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle in 2027. The development follows an invitation from the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN), which has expressed its interest in hosting Bangladesh for a bilateral series.
BCB cricket operations in-charge Shahriar Nafees said discussions between the two boards are already under way, although Bangladesh's crowded international calendar remains a major hurdle.
"Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken that invitation very positively," Nafees told reporters on Saturday.
He said the BCB is trying to identify a suitable window within the existing FTP to accommodate the proposed series.
"Our FTP is very packed, but if we can positively choose a convenient time within this cycle, we are trying to do that. If everything goes well, hopefully this series can take place," he said.
Nafees added that Bangladesh are keen to complete the series before the current FTP cycle concludes in 2027, while stressing that no final decision has been taken yet.
The proposal is still at the discussion stage, with both boards working to determine whether their schedules can be aligned.
Bangladesh step up Asian Games preparations
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will begin preparations for their Asian Games campaign from Sunday, with the players involved in the continental event entering the skills phase of their training.
The remaining members of the squad selected for the Afghanistan series have already started a conditioning camp.
Bangladesh are scheduled to face Afghanistan in Tests and ODIs, with players not involved in the Asian Games being prepared separately.
Nafees said the conditioning camp will continue until the team departs for the UAE, after which the players will be divided according to their respective assignments.
The players who remain in Bangladesh are expected to join the National Cricket League, while preparation periods will be adjusted depending on changes in format and upcoming assignments.
He said the board's planning process is well ahead of schedule, with the broad framework for the 2026 calendar having been prepared in 2025.
Afghanistan venues yet to be confirmed
Bangladesh's upcoming series against Afghanistan is expected to be staged in the UAE, although the final venue is yet to be announced.
As the series is Afghanistan's home assignment, the Afghanistan Cricket Board will make the final decision.
However, with the UAE offering only a limited number of international venues, the matches are likely to be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
Nafees said the venue is expected to be confirmed by the Afghanistan board in the coming week. (Agencies)