The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have officially confirmed that Pakistan's men's cricket team will tour Bangladesh for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in March 2026. The announcement, made on Friday, February 20, comes while Pakistan remains actively engaged in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan tour of Bangladesh
The complete itinerary for Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh is as follows:
Date | Event |
|---|---|
March 9 | Pakistan arrive in Dhaka |
March 10 | Training / Practice session |
March 11 | ЁЯПП 1st ODI тАФ Bangladesh vs Pakistan |
March 12 | Rest day |
March 13 | ЁЯПП 2nd ODI тАФ Bangladesh vs Pakistan |
March 14 | Rest day |
March 15 | ЁЯПП 3rd ODI тАФ Bangladesh vs Pakistan |
March 16 | Pakistan depart |
Venue: All three matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka.
Format: All fixtures are scheduled as day-night encounters, with play expected to start at 2:15 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST).
This tour holds considerable significance for both teams as it serves as early preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. For Pakistan, the series follows immediately after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2026, which wraps up on March 8 тАФ just one day before the squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka.
This tight turnaround has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, especially considering the possibility that Pakistan could advance deep into the T20 World Cup.
For Bangladesh, this series will mark their first international assignment since their high-profile withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup. The BCB pulled out of the tournament after the ICC was unable to accommodate their request to have all their group-stage matches played outside India. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the competition.
Recent Head-to-Head History
The two Asian sides have met frequently in recent years. Pakistan's last visit to Bangladesh was in July 2025 for a three-match T20I series, which the hosts won 2-1. Prior to that, Bangladesh toured Pakistan in MayтАУJune 2025 for a three-match T20I series that Pakistan swept 3-0.
The upcoming ODIs will provide a fresh dimension to the rivalry, with the 50-over format offering a different set of challenges for both squads.
Pakistan's Current Form
Pakistan are currently competing in the T20 World Cup 2026 under the captaincy of Salman Agha. Playing their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka, Pakistan finished second in Group A after victories over the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia тАФ though they suffered a heavy 61-run defeat against defending champions India. The Super 8 phase is now underway, with Pakistan set to face New Zealand, England, and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
What to Watch For
ODI World Cup preparation: With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, both teams will be keen to test combinations and build squad depth in the 50-over format.
Bangladesh at home: Bangladesh have traditionally been a tough side to beat in familiar conditions. The spin-friendly wickets at Mirpur are expected to play a key role.
Squad selection: Given the quick turnaround from the T20 World Cup, Pakistan's squad selection for the Bangladesh tour will be worth monitoring тАФ rest and rotation is almost inevitable.
PSL 11 timing: The series is scheduled to conclude just before the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) gets underway, adding another layer of scheduling pressure.
The Pakistan tour of Bangladesh may be a short affair тАФ just three ODIs crammed into a week тАФ but it carries meaningful weight in the broader context of ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 qualification and preparation. With both boards confirming the schedule, cricket fans across the subcontinent can look forward to a competitive bilateral contest in Mirpur this March.
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