Mushfiqur Rahim slated for landmark 100th Test in Dhaka

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is set to become the first Bangladesh cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 Test appearances. Initially slated as a one-off Test, the Cricket Ireland has now agreed to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on November 10.

Originally, the Irish side was reluctant to play two Tests in Bangladesh and preferred a solitary game to go with, but later changed its stance after discussions with the host board. The opening Test will be held in Sylhet from November 10 to 14, while the landmark 100th Test for Mushfiqur, who has so far played 98 Tests, is scheduled at Dhaka's Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium from November 18 to 22.

"Initially, Ireland wanted to play only one Test but later changed their stance and both boards agreed that the two-Test series will would go ahead," a BCB official confirmed as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The wicketkeeper-batter made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2005 as an 18-year-old, becoming the second-youngest player to appear in a Test at the venue after Sachin Tendulkar. Over the years, Mushfiqur has established himself as Bangladesh’s most reliable batter in the longest format, amassing over 6000 Test runs, the only Bangladeshi to do so. His unbeaten 219 against Zimbabwe in 2020 remains Bangladesh’s highest individual Test score.

After the Test series, Bangladesh will host Ireland in a three-match T20I series. The first two matches are scheduled in Chattogram on November 27 and 29, with the final game to be played in Dhaka on December 2.

Cricket West Indies announced on Wednesday that the West Indies will tour Bangladesh in October for a six-match white-ball series. The visitors will play three ODIs on October 18, 20 and 23, followed by three T20Is on October 27 and 30, and November 1.

According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), Bangladesh will have a free window in December-January, which is expected to accommodate the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The domestic T20 competition will serve as key preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup in February.

Looking further ahead, Bangladesh’s 2025-26 calendar includes high-profile home series against both Pakistan and New Zealand, adding to what promises to be a busy international schedule for the Tigers.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh are competing in the 17th Asia Cup in the UAE, having won two of their three group-stage matches, by seven wickets against Hong Kong and by eight runs against Afghanistan, and losing to Sri Lanka. Their Super Four qualification depends on the outcome of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan clash scheduled on September 18.