When Shai Hope, captain and wicket‑keeper of the West Indies Cricket Team steps onto the pitch in Chattogram this October, the stakes feel more electric than a night‑time fireworks display.
The West Indies are touring Bangladesh as part of the West Indies cricket tour of Bangladesh 2025Bangladesh. The three‑match T20I series, slated for the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, kicks off on 28 October and runs through 31 October, with the second and third games confirmed for 29 and 31 October at 08:00 AST.
Why does this matter? Bangladesh, fresh off a solid home season, will be looking to cement its rising ICC T20I ranking, while the West Indies hope to reverse a slump that has seen them tumble out of the top ten. Both sides have a point to prove before the year‑end ICC calendar reshuffles.
Background and Recent Form
In the 2024‑25 season, Bangladesh climbed to a career‑best #7 in the T20I rankings after a string of home victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, has been praised for tightening the bowling unit and encouraging a more aggressive batting approach.
Conversely, the West Indies have struggled to find consistency. A 2‑1 loss to England in June and a 3‑0 whitewash at the Caribbean Premier League left them hovering around #12. Hope, who took over the reins in early 2024, promised a “new‑energy” squad focused on finishing matches strong.
The last meeting between the two nations in a T20I was a razor‑thin 2‑run win for Bangladesh in 2023 at Dhaka. That win sparked a debate about whether the Caribbean side could ever regain its historic flair.
Tour Schedule and Venues
- 28 Oct 2025 – 1st T20I – Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, Chattogram (time TBD)
- 29 Oct 2025 – 2nd T20I – Same venue, 08:00 AST (12:00 UTC)
- 31 Oct 2025 – 3rd T20I – Same venue, 08:00 AST (12:00 UTC)
- 3‑7 Nov 2025 – ODI series (dates not finalised)
- 5 Nov 2025 – West Indies depart for New Zealand T20I tour
The Chattogram stadium, newly renovated in 2023, offers a fast‑outfield that favors power hitters. It also seats roughly 25,000 fans, promising a lively atmosphere that could swing momentum.
Squads and Key Players
West Indies have named a 15‑man T20I squad led by Hope. The line‑up blends experience (Jason Holder, Roston Chase) with burgeoning talent (Alick Athanaze, Romario Shepherd). Notably, fast‑bowler RJ Simmonds returns after a knee injury, adding extra pace.
Bangladesh’s T20I roster, still pending an official captain’s name in the released sheet, is expected to feature the likes of Liton Das, Afif Hossain and the experienced pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Their spin attack, anchored by Mehidy Miraz, could be the deciding factor on the turning track of Chattogram.
Both teams have selected a second wicket‑keeper – Amir Jangoo for the West Indies and Jaker Ali for Bangladesh – giving the captains tactical flexibility.
Strategic Angles and Expert Views
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle says the series “will be a litmus test for West Indies’ middle order. If they can rotate the strike efficiently, they’ll have a real shot at chasing 170‑plus scores that Bangladesh tends to post.”
Bangladesh coach Richard McInnes emphasizes the importance of death overs: “Our bowlers need to execute yorkers and slower balls under pressure. That’s where we expect the margin of victory to be decided.”
Another angle is the spin battle. West Indies have brought Akeal Hosein, a left‑arm orthodox spinner who impressed at the CPL. His variations could counter Bangladesh’s right‑handed power hitters.
Interestingly, the West Indies have also scheduled a short‑term conditioning camp in Dubai ahead of the tour, aiming to acclimatise to sub‑continental heat. The move mirrors a 2022 strategy that paid off in the UAE series against Pakistan.
Implications for Rankings and Future Tours
If Bangladesh clinches the series 2‑1, they could leapfrog into the top six, edging closer to a World Cup qualification spot. Meanwhile, a West Indies series win would catapult them back into the top ten, restoring confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup slated for 2026.
The series also serves as a springboard for the West Indies’ upcoming New Zealand tour. A strong finish in Bangladesh could dictate selection choices for the Kiwi conditions, especially the fast‑bowling contingent.
Financially, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) anticipates revenue of roughly $2.3 million from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships for the entire tour – a significant boost for the board’s development programs.
What’s Next for the Teams
After the final T20I on 31 October, the West Indies will head straight to New Zealand, where they’ll face the Black Caps in a three‑match T20I series starting 5 November at Eden Park, Auckland. That series will test the Caribbean side’s adaptability to seamer‑friendly pitches.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will regroup for a six‑match home season that includes a tri‑series with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan later in December. Their focus will be on fine‑tuning the powerplay strategies that have paid dividends in recent matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the T20I series affect Bangladesh’s ICC ranking?
A series win could lift Bangladesh from #7 to as high as #5, depending on the margin of victory. The ICC ranking algorithm awards extra points for away wins, so a 2‑1 triumph in Chattogram would be especially valuable.
Which players are likely to be the match‑winners?
For the West Indies, all‑rounder RJ Simmonds and spinner Akeal Hosein have the tools to change games quickly. Bangladesh will rely on Liton Das’s power hitting and Mustafizur Rahman’s savvy variations in the death overs.
What challenges does the Chattogram venue pose?
The stadium’s fast, low‑bounce pitch favours seamers early on, but it flattens out, making it a batting paradise in the latter stages. The humidity can also affect swing, so bowlers need to adjust their line and length constantly.
Will the West Indies use the same squad for the New Zealand tour?
A core group is expected to travel, but selectors may add extra seamers like Alzarri Joseph to cope with New Zealand’s green‑top pitches. The performance in Bangladesh will heavily influence final squad decisions.
What economic impact does the tour have on Bangladeshi cricket?
Beyond the projected $2.3 million revenue, the series boosts local hospitality, creates temporary jobs, and raises the profile of Bangladeshi cricket ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Leave a Comments