A heavy thunderstorm and persistent rain forced Bangladesh’s national football team to cancel their scheduled training at Bashundhara Kings Arena on Thursday afternoon. Clouds had loomed over Dhaka since midday, and as the session began, lightning strikes and torrential rainfall made continuation unsafe.
The Spanish head coach, Javier Cabrera, prioritised player safety and decided not to take any risks, calling off the practice. This precautionary measure highlights the importance of caution amid severe weather, especially as the team prepares for two crucial upcoming fixtures.
Bangladesh’s senior team is set to play:
A preparatory match against Vietnam on 26 March
The Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on 31 March
In the lead-up to these matches, the national team had been conducting regular training sessions at Kings Arena over the past two days. Today’s session, however, was disrupted by inclement weather.
In contrast, the Under-20 (U-20) team continued their scheduled practice at the National Stadium without interruption. This suggests that while the storm affected certain areas, other training venues remained suitable for safe practice.
Upcoming Bangladesh Fixtures and Training
| Team | Match / Event | Date | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Team | Preparation Match vs Vietnam | 26 March | Vietnam (away) | Training ongoing |
| Senior Team | Asian Cup Qualifier vs Singapore | 31 March | Singapore (away) | Training disrupted by rain |
| U-20 Team | SAFF U-20 Tournament vs Maldives | 24 March | Maldives | Training proceeded as normal |
Coach Cabrera emphasised that player welfare remains the top priority, and alternative arrangements, such as indoor sessions, may be adopted if thunderstorms persist. The senior squad is expected to resume training once weather conditions improve, maintaining tactical and physical readiness ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, the U-20 squad continues preparations uninterrupted, reflecting the differing impact of weather across venues. With both teams focused on upcoming international commitments, flexibility in scheduling and proactive safety measures are essential.
The disruption serves as a reminder of Dhaka’s unpredictable weather during this season, prompting teams to remain adaptable while ensuring that player safety is never compromised.