History of cricket in Bangladesh

The history of cricket in Bangladesh may seem short when the "inaugural first-class match" was as recent as October 1999 but in fact the area has a long cricketing history that has been distorted by political change.

Origin of Bangladesh

The borders of Bangladesh, previously 1947-1955 were set by the Partition of British India in 1947, when it became the eastern wing of Pakistan and known as 1955-1970. It was separated from the main (western) part of Pakistan by some 1,600 km (990 mi) of volatile Indian territory, hostile towards them. Despite their common religion of Islam, the ethnic and linguistic gulf between the two parts of Pakistan, compounded by an apathetic government based in the west, resulted in the independence of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971 after the bloody Bangladesh Liberation War, in which it was morally supported by the Republic of India.

Bangladesh formally declared its independence from Pakistan on 26 March 1971. This was confirmed on the new nation's Victory Day of 16 December 1971.

Timeline

1780: It stands established that organized cricket in India began in Calcutta (current Kolkata), a major city of Bengal. Early English expatriates banded together to form the Calcutta Cricket Club. The earliest mention of this club is found in the 48th issue of Hickys Bengal Gazette, dated from Saturday December 16 to Saturday December 23, 1780 where the newspaper reported that the Gentlemen of the Calcutta Cricket Club are getting themselves into Wind, and preparing to take the Field, for a very active Campaign (sic). With its tentative year of birth at 1780, the Calcutta Cricket Club becomes senior to the Marylebone Cricket Club, which was established in 1787, by a clear margin of seven years. The London-based MCC, which was till a few years ago the parent body of cricket, still holds an eminent position in the world of cricket.

1792: Englishmen residing in the districts of Barrackpore and Dum Dum play a cricket match (Source: February 23, 1792, the Madras Courier). This particular cricket match was in all likelihood played on the "maidan" opposite the Raj Bhavan. The assumption is based on the reason that a scorecard of another match played in January, 1804, survives to convey to us that teams representing Old Etonians and Calcutta Cricket Club duelled on the same ground. Incidentally, the year 1792 is officially recognized by Wisden cricket almanac as the date of establishment for Calcutta Cricket Club, making it the oldest surviving cricket club outside the British Isles.

1926: (Unofficial) Test cricket comes to Eden Gardens in Calcutta on the last day of 1926 with Arthur Gilligan leading the MCC team; India was still not an official test nation. MCC had come at the invitation of Calcutta Cricket Club and the Bengal Gymkhana was one of its principal patrons.

1934: The Ranji Trophy, named after the famous Indian cricketer Ranjitsinhji, commences in India.

1935: The first Bengal team takes part in the second Ranji Trophy.

1947: After the partition of Bengal in 1947, matches of domestic cricket in Pakistan were conducted in four leagues. Regional East Bengali of Pakistan teams regularly took part in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam trophy from 1954 through 1968.

1955-1969: Seven international Test matches with Pakistan participating as the host team were played in Dhaka between 1955 and 1969.

The first test was held between Pakistan and the Republic of India in January 1955. The match started on the first day of the year. The newly-built Dacca (now "Dhaka") then had the maximum capacity of accommodating 15,000 spectators. According to an old follower of Dacca cricket, the full house crowd gave a standing ovation to both the captains, Abdul Hafeez Kardar and Vinoo Mankad, as they walked out to toss. The match was drawn.

The next match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium was played between Pakistan and New Zealand from November 7 to 12 the same year. Legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad scored his second Test century (103). Besides, his compatriot Khan Mohammad returned with his career best bowling figures of 6 for 21. This match also ended in a draw.

The third Test was played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium between Pakistan and West Indies in March 1959. In the low-scoring match, Pakistan recorded their only Test win at Dhaka by 41 runs, mainly because of their famous fast bowler Fazal Mahmood, who took 12 wickets, six in each innings, for 100 runs.

Then came Australia in the November of the same year under the leadership of Richie Benaud and they defeated Pakistan by eight wickets. This was also Pakistan's only Test defeat at Dhaka.

The fifth Test at the Bangabandhu National Stadium was played in January 1962 between Pakistan and England. Although the match ended in a draw, it was a personal landmark for Hanif Mohammad who scored centuries (111 and 104) in both the innings.

The next match was also played between Pakistan and England after seven years in February 1969. The most notable feature of the match was the presence of all-rounder Basil D'Oliveira, who scored an unbeaten 114 in the first innings

The last, but not the least, Test between Pakistan and New Zealand was played in November of the same year. Kiwi skipper Glen Turner hammered a century (110) in that match, which also concluded in a draw.

1972: The Bangladesh Cricket Control Board is established. Soon after, a cricket league commences in Dhaka and Chittagong. It is a slow start, other things having priority in the war-torn country. Early in 1975 the Dhaka (then "Dacca") stadium was still in disrepair, the square having sunk several inches and the Press Club shell-torn.

1974/75: A national level cricket tournament begins in the country. 1st division and 2nd division cricket leagues start at the districts level. Other tournaments that were organised included National Youth Cricket, Inter-university Cricket, College & School Cricket, Shahid Smriti Cricket, Damal Summer Cricket and Star Summer Cricket.

1976/77: Robin Marlar writes Whither Bangladesh?, a detailed description of Bangladesh cricket's state of affairs and a yearning to see Bangladesh in the international stage. Bangladesh Cricket Board officials become more alert and enthusiastic after this international exposure.

After the completion of the 1975-76 domestic season, Bangladesh Cricket Control Board's acting secretary Reza-e-Karim writes to the International Cricket Council (then called the International Cricket Conference), requesting ICC membership status for Bangladesh. The ICC replies, suggests the BCCB to invite the Marelybone Cricket Club, and that their decision rests on MCC's post-tour report.

Reza-e-Karim drafts the first constitution of the BCCB and in May, 1977 invites the MCC to Bangladesh. In June, 1976, the membership of Bangladesh is discussed in an ICC meeting. The meeting decides to finalize Bangladesh's membership status after the MCC tours Bangladesh.

The MCC arrives at Dhaka for their first Bangladesh tour on December 27, 1976 and helps build the enthusiasm; over 40,000 people attends the representative match at Dacca.

On July 26, 1977, Bangladesh becomes an Associate member of the I.C.C.

The BCCB seeks coaching help from the MCC. The MCC sends Bangladesh her first foreign cricket coach, an Englishman named Robert Jones.

1978: In January, Sri Lanka, yet to be a test team, tours Bangladesh.

In February, the Deccan Blues, an Indian team of famous first-class cricketers, tours Bangladesh for a three-day match against the BCCB XI.

In December, the MCC arrives in Bangladesh for the second time in a tour that lasts until 14 January 1979.

1979: Bangladesh appears in the first ICC trophy in England. Bangladeshis win matches against Fiji and Malaysia.

1980: In January, Pakistan tours Bangladesh for a 2-day match in Chittagong and a 3-day sellout match in Dacca. The crowd's misbehavior toward Pakistani players abruptly ends the Chittagong match, and the tour.

1980/81: The MCC tours Bangladesh for the third time.

1982: An Indian first-class team, the Hyderabad Blues, boasting five Indian test players, visits Bangladesh in January.

In May–July, 1982, Bangladesh takes part in its second ICC trophy competition and finishes fourth among sixteen national teams.

1983: In March, 1983, a West Bengal team tours Bangladesh. In December, Bangladesh follows up with a visit to the Indian state.

1984: In January, 1984, Bangladesh hosts the first ever South-East Asia Cup; Singapore and Hong Kong participates. Bangladesh beats Hong Kong in the final to take the trophy.

In February, Bangladesh team tours Kenya for the first time.

Having returned from Kenya, in late February, Bangladesh hosts a series of cricket matches with Pakistan's PIA and India's the Hyderabad Blues.

1985: The Sri Lankan test team visits Bangladesh in March for a three-day match in Dhaka.

1986: In January, 1986, the Omar Kureishi XI containing Pakistani Test cricketers visits Bangladesh.

In March, 1986, Bangladesh takes part in the Second Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, and plays its first ever One Day International match against Pakistan (Bangladesh was still not a full member of ICC). The tournament gives Bangladesh players international exposure.

In June, 1986, Bangladesh flies to England to take part in the third ICC tropy.

Earlier in the year, Bangladesh toured Pakistan for the first time.

1988: In January, Bangladesh takes part and wins the second South-East Asia trophy, defeating Hong Kong.

The Third Asia Cup takes place in Bangladesh in October–November 1988 with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participating as well as the host country.

1989: In August–September, Bangladesh U-19 team tours England.

In December, 1989, Bangladesh hosts the First Under-19 Asia Cup.

1990: The Decan Blues, captained by Syed Kirmani, tours Bangladesh in January and February. On February 4, 1990, pyjama cricket comes to Bangladesh, as the first ever day-night match is played in the Dhaka Stadium between BCCB U-25 and the Deccan Blues.

In February, 1990, a team from Denmark tours Bangladesh.

In March, 1990, Pakistan and India takes part in a two-match series. Bangladesh, the host country, is a surprising absentee.

In April, 1990, Bangladesh takes part in the Australasia Cup in Sharjah and plays against New Zealand and Australia for the first time in group matches.

In June, 1990, Bangladesh participates in the fourth ICC trophy held in Holland. Bangladesh finishes third in the tournament, losing in the semifinal against eventual champions Zimbabwe.

In December, 1990, Bangladesh visits India to take part in the fourth Asia Cup cricket along with India and Sri Lanka.

1992: West Bengal visits Bangladesh in February. A little-known West Bengal batsman Saurav Ganguly scores a century and a half-century to help West Bengal prevail in both matches.

1992: In June, Bangladesh takes part in the third South East Asia cup and wins the trophy again by defeating Hong Kong.

In December, 1992, Bangladesh hosts the first SAARC cricket tournament. But the tournament comes to an abrupt end with two matches to go, as tensions in Dhaka rise after the Babri mosque incident.

1993: In March–April, 1993, the Karachi Airport Gymkhana team tours Bangladesh.

1994: Bangladesh takes part in the fifth ICC Trophy and fails to qualify for the semifinals. In December, Dhaka hosts the 2nd SAARC cricket tournament. Bangladesh finishes runners up after losing the final to India 'A'.

1996: IN September, Bangladesh takes part and wins the ACC Cup in KL, Malaysia.

1997: Bangladesh wins the Sixth ICC trophy in Malaysia. Bangladesh also becomes a regular ICC member with the right to play One Day Internationals. Earlier, (in Feb), Dhaka hosted the 3rd & final SAARC cricket tournament.

1998: Bangladesh posts its first ODI win against Kenya in India. In October, Bangladesh hosts (although did not participate in) the first ever "Mini World Cup", a knock-out ODI tournament featuring all the test playing nations.

1999: Bangladesh performs in the 7th Cricket World Cup in England. In a group match, Bangladesh defeats Pakistan.

1999-2000: A new first-class format National League is launched. The home and away tournament has divisional teams from Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Barisal and Rajshahi.

2000: Bangladesh attains the status of a test playing country on 26 June. Bangladesh's inaugural Test match takes place in Dhaka against touring India on 10–14 November 2000

2004: In December, Bangladesh defeats World Cup Runners-up India at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, It was Bangladesh's overall sixth win in one-dayers, but the first ODI victory on home soil. It was also only their third win against a Test-playing nation after defeating Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup in England and beating Zimbabwe in March, 2004.

2005: In January, Bangladesh records their maiden test victory with a thumping 226 runs win over Zimbabwe. This was the 35th test for Bangladesh. Bangladesh team also secures its first ever Test and ODI series wins.

In June, Bangladesh defeats world champions Australia in a Natwest Series ODI match. Mohammad Ashraful is the hero with a run-a-ball century.

Brief Summary

Early in 1975, the Dhaka (then "Dacca") stadium was in disrepair, the square having sunk several inches and the Press Club shell-torn. The M.C.C. tour in 1976/77 helped to build the enthusiasm; over 40,000 people attended the representative match at Dhaka. In 1977, Bangladesh became an Associate member of the International Cricket Council. Two further M.C.C. teams toured in 1978/79 and 1980/81.

The standard of cricket quickly rose, and soon Bangladesh was the top ICC associate country in the region, winning all ACC tournaments. This gave them the opportunity to play in the Asia Cup, against teams like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Third Asia Cup took place in Bangladesh in 1988 with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participating as well as the host country.

In 1989/90, Bangladesh played hosts to the First Under-19 Asia Cup. In 1997, Bangladesh won the ICC Trophy in Malaysia, qualifying for its first ever world cup appearance. Soon after, Bangladesh, along with Kenya were granted full ODI status by the ICC. Bangladesh posted its first ODI win against Kenya in India in 1998. In October 1998, Bangladesh hosted—although they did not participate—the first ever "Mini World Cup", a knock-out basis ODI tournament featuring all the test playing nations. In 1999, in their maiden appearance at the World Cup in England, Bangladesh defeated fellow ICC associate Scotland, and then won a match from favorites Pakistan.

As a reward of bright performance in ICC and World Cup, Bangladesh was given the status of the 10th test playing nation on the 26 June 2000. As the famous ex-cricketer Ali Bacher of South Africa noted during his visit to Dhaka, 'the game of cricket has great prospects in a country like Bangladesh where there is cricket on the streets, cricket in the schools, in the villages, a competitive league, and Friday cricket—drawing crowds of spectators who love the game in all its forms.' The game, having shed its aristocratic restrictions, prospers at the very grass-roots of Bangladeshi society.

In the 2007 Cricket World Cup on March 17, 2007, Bangladesh beat India by a 5 wicket margin to advance to the Super 8 stage, where they beat South Africa by a 67-run margin on April 7, 2007.

Domestic cricket in Bangladesh

Cricket has been played in India since the 18th century and it continued to be played in first Pakistan and then Bangladesh as these countries became politically independent.

Bangladesh had staged first-class and even Test cricket when it was part of Pakistan. The Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka was first used for Test cricket when Pakistan played India there in January 1955. It was used for numerous important matches, including Tests, right up to the declaration of independence in 1971. The MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong also dates back to 1954 as a first-class venue but it was not used for Tests until Bangladesh played there in 2001.

The beginning of Bangladesh's own first-class era (i.e., as an independent state) began when the national team played England A in Chittagong on 25–27 October 1999. The match was drawn.

On 10–13 November 2000, Bangladesh played its inaugural Test Match v India in the Bangabandhu National Stadium. India won by 9 wickets.

The 2000-01 season saw the beginning of first-class domestic competition in Bangladesh, although the country had already staged first-class matches against touring teams in the previous year. The Green Delta National Cricket League was constituted as the first-class championship and the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea One-Day League as the premier limited overs competition. In 2000-01, both titles were won by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

National championships

National Cricket League winners

• 2000-01 – Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 2001-02 – Dhaka Division
• 2002-03 – Khulna Division
• 2003-04 – Dhaka Division
• 2004-05 – Dhaka Division
• 2005-06 – Rajshahi Division
• 2006-07 – Dhaka Division
• 2007-08 –

One-Day League winners

• 2000-01 – Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 2001-02 – Sylhet Division
• 2002-03 – Khulna Division
• 2003-04 – Chittagong Division
• 2004-05 – Rajshahi Division
• 2005-06 – Rajshahi Division
• 2006-07 – Dhaka Division
• 2007-08 –

Leading players by season

The lists below give the leading first-class runscorers and wicket-takers in each domestic season.

Batsmen

• 2000-01 – Imran Farhat – 735 runs @ 91.87
• 2001-02 – Minhajul Abedin – 1012 @ 72.28
• 2002-03 – Sajjadul Hasan – 447 @ 40.63
• 2003-04 – Faisal Hossain – 809 @ 38.52
• 2004-05 – Golam Rahman – 825 @ 51.56
• 2005-06 – Ehsanul Haque – 955 @ 59.68
• 2006-07 – Gazi Salahuddin – 791 @ 46.53
• 2007-08 – –

Bowlers

• 2000-01 – Enamul Haque – 57 wickets @ 16.63
• 2001-02 – Mohammad Rafique – 42 @ 12.76
• 2002-03 – Ahsanullah Hasan – 35 @ 18.51
• 2003-04 – Saifullah Khan – 63 @ 16.33
• 2004-05 – Alamgir Kabir – 45 @ 18.88
• 2005-06 – Hasibul Hossain – 57 @ 16.00
• 2006-07 – Shabbir Khan – 53 @ 28.30
• 2007-08 – –

International tours of Bangladesh

England A 1994-95

For information about this tour, see : England A cricket team in Bangladesh in 1994-95

West Indies 1998-99

England A 1999-2000

For information about this tour, see : England A cricket team in Bangladesh in 1999-2000

MCC 1999-2000

West Indies 1999-2000

India 2000-01

This tour featured the inaugural Test match by Bangladesh:

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – India won by 9 wickets

Pakistan 2001-02

Pakistan played 3 first-class matches, including 2 Tests; and 3 ListA limited overs internationals. Pakistan won the Test series convincingly, winning both matches by an innings:

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – Pakistan won by an innings and 178 runs
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – Pakistan won by an innings and 169 runs

Zimbabwe 2001-02

Zimbabwe played 2 Test matches and won the series 1-0 with one match drawn:

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – match drawn
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – Zimbabwe won by 8 wickets

West Indies 2002-03

West Indies played 2 Test matches and 3 limited overs internationals. They won both the Test matches:

• 1st Test at (Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – West Indies won by an innings and 310 runs
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – West Indies won by 7 wickets

South Africa 2003

South Africa played 2 Test matches against Bangladesh and took part in a limited overs tri-series with Bangladesh and India. South Africa won the Test series against Bangladesh, winning both matches convincingly by an innings:

• 1st Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – South Africa won by an innings and 60 runs
• 2nd Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – South Africa won by an innings and 18 runs

England 2003-04

England played 2 Tests and 3 limited overs internationals. They won the Test series against Bangladesh, winning both of the 2 matches :

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – England won by 7 wickets
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – England won by 329 runs

India 2004-05

India played 2 Test matches and won both by an innings margin:

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – India won by an innings and 140 runs
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – India won by an innings and 83 runs

New Zealand 2004-05

This was New Zealand's first tour of Bangladesh. They played 2 Test matches and 3 limited over internationals. New Zealand won the Test series convincingly, winning both matches by an innings margin:

• 1st Test at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka – New Zealand won by an innings and 99 runs
• 2nd Test at MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong – New Zealand won by an innings and 101 runs

Zimbabwe 2004-05

For information about this tour, see : Zimbabwean cricket team in Bangladesh in 2004-05

Australia 2005-06

This was Australia's first tour of Bangladesh.

For information about this tour, see : Australian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2005-06

Kenya 2005-06

The Kenyans played a four-match series of limited overs internationals which Bangladesh won 4-0:

• 1st ODI at Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogra – Bangladesh won by 131 runs
• 2nd ODI at Motiur Rahman Stadium, Khulna – Bangladesh won by 9 wickets
• 3rd ODI at Narayanganj Osmani Stadium, Fatullah – Bangladesh won by 20 runs
• 4th ODI at Narayanganj Osmani Stadium, Fatullah – Bangladesh won by 7 wickets

Sri Lanka 2005-06

For information about this tour, see : Sri Lankan cricket team in Bangladesh in 2005-06

Scotland 2006-07

For information about this tour, see : Scottish cricket team in Bangladesh in 2006-07

Zimbabwe 2006-07

For information about this tour, see : Zimbabwean cricket team in Bangladesh in 2006-07

India 2007

For information about this tour, see : Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2007

See also

• Cricket in Bangladesh

External links

• Miscellaneous articles re Bangladesh cricket
• CricInfo re Bangladesh
• CricketArchive re tournaments in Bangladesh

Further reading

• Wisden Cricketers Almanack 2006 (especially p. 1380–1386)