The year 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for Bangladesh cricket, marked by moments of triumph, deep disappointment, and off-field controversies. From record-breaking T20 performances to setbacks in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), the national team experienced a season of contrasts that kept fans on edge throughout the year. Alongside international fixtures, domestic and women’s cricket faced significant turbulence, while administrative and organisational controversies added to the uncertainties.
On-Field Performance
Bangladesh played a total of 30 T20 internationals in 2025, registering 15 wins and 14 losses. While bilateral series offered some respite with consistent victories, the team struggled to break the pattern of underperformance in multinational tournaments. Persistent instability in the batting order, middle-order collapses, and frequent changes in batting positions prevented any sustainable solution to the lineup issues.
Leading performers across formats included:
| Format | Highest Run-Scorer | Runs | Highest Wicket-Taker | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Najmul Hossain | 532 | Taijul Islam | 33 |
| ODI | Towhid Hridoy | 388 | Rishad Hossain | 17 |
| T20 | Tanzid Hasan | 775 | Rishad Hossain | 33 |
In T20 cricket, Liton Das surpassed veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to become the highest run-scorer with 2,665 runs across matches, while the team collectively hit 206 sixes.
However, ODI cricket remained a disappointment. Bangladesh lost seven of 11 matches, sliding to 10th in the rankings, with no clear signs of recovery. Champions Trophy outings and a lack of a stable batting order compounded the concerns. In Test cricket, the team won three of six matches, slightly exceeding expectations against competitive opponents. Milestones were achieved: Mushfiqur Rahim played his 100th Test and scored a century, while Taijul Islam became Bangladesh’s first bowler to reach 250 Test wickets.
Off-Field Turmoil
2025 was equally dramatic off the field. Following the 2024 political reshuffle, former captain and selector Faruk Ahmed was initially appointed BCB president but was soon replaced by Aminul Islam Bulbul. The November BCB election faced legal challenges, boycotts by multiple clubs, and resignations of candidates, casting doubt on its legitimacy.
Club cricket suffered too: 43 clubs, protesting BCB’s controversial election, refused participation, including eight teams in the First Division Cricket League.
Women’s Cricket Controversy
Pacer Jahanara Alam accused former women’s team selector and manager Manjurul Islam of sexual harassment and unethical conduct, citing detrimental effects on her career and mental health. Several other women cricketers have since spoken out, prompting the BCB to form a five-member investigation committee, whose report is pending.
BPL Challenges and Tragic Losses
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) continued to be mired in disputes. Following last season’s fixing allegations, nine unnamed players were barred from participation, and BCB appointed Alex Marshall, former ICC anti-corruption chief, to oversee tournament integrity. Additionally, the Chattogram franchise withdrew from the competition.
Tragically, cricket saw two on-field deaths in 2025. Mahbub Ali Zaki, assistant coach of Dhaka Capitals, died from a cardiac arrest, as did physiotherapist Hasan Ahmed of Barishal in the National League. Former national captain Tamim Iqbal suffered a cardiac incident during a Dhaka Premier League match but recovered following treatment in Dhaka and Singapore.
Conclusion
Bangladesh cricket in 2025 was a year of extremes: remarkable individual achievements shadowed by systemic challenges, controversies, and tragic losses. While milestones in Test and T20 cricket brought hope, ODI failures, administrative uncertainty, and off-field crises highlighted the urgent need for structural reform and stability.