Bangladesh marks 25 years of Test Cricket status

June 26, 2000 — A dream-fulfilling day in the history of Bangladesh cricket. On this day, Bangladesh received the status to play Test cricket internationally. In the 123-year history of Test cricket worldwide, the Tigers made their debut as the 10th country. Today marks the 25th anniversary of that historic event.

On January 15, 1998, Bangladesh applied to the ICC for full membership. Two years later, that recognition was granted, and the Test journey of the red and green began. To celebrate this silver jubilee, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has organized events across the country. These include a six-a-side tournament for under-12 players, spinner and pacer hunts, a good luck board, and even a commentary booth for the audience.

The most important event is at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, where members of Bangladesh’s first Test squad will gather. They will be given special honors and blazers. However, the first Test captain, Naimur Rahman, is not included in these events. Once a BCB director and member of parliament, he has stayed away following political changes.

BCB President Aminul Islam said that Naimur was invited and contacted. Aminul himself was a member of Bangladesh’s first Test team and the country’s first Test centurion. He recently took over as BCB president.

Recalling the first Test, Aminul said, “We feel very fortunate because many earlier cricketers never got the chance to play Test cricket. We got that opportunity, and it is a matter of pride.”

Regarding the silver jubilee celebration, the BCB president added, “This is not just about remembering the past, but we want to revive cricket across the country. In many places where cricket had faded, our goal was to bring it back to life. We have successfully done that.”

Bangladesh’s 25 years of Test cricket have seen many ups and downs. But today is a day of pride — the day when the long and brave journey of Bangladesh cricket started, the first chapter of the red and green Test story.