Phil Simmons optimistic of Bangladesh Cricket [Source: X]Bangladesh cricket is in tatters. From the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 exit to the Bangladesh Premier League fiasco that saw the removal of top officials amidst player boycotts, the fate of both domestic and national cricket is currently in jeopardy. However, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons opined otherwise. Amidst the sinking ship, the former Trinidadian all-rounder was optimistic about the restoration of cricket in full swing in the nation soon. Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons dodges political remarks Phil Simmons departed for a short vacation on Tuesday night, but before his departure, he came to visit the national men’s team ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will no longer be a concern for the Bengal Tigers. Simmons came in to assess the team mid-way through BPL 2025-26 and was seen having discussions with BCB curator Tony Hemming at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Amidst the visit, Simmons told Cricbuzz that he is hopeful of Bangladesh’s domestic cricket restoration after the election and was also optimistic about the international return of the nation. "BCL will be, I think, after election. Hopefully, cricket will be back by then," Simmons told Cricbuzz while avoiding further political diversions given the dicey relationship between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the domestic wing. Before visiting the BCB Academy Ground to observe the greenhouse facilities, Simmons confirmed that he will return to Bangladesh before the team’s next assignment. For the unaware, Bangladesh is set to take on Pakistan at home in March, scheduled under the Future Tours Programme. Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026 split in phases As of now, Bangladesh cricket is controlled by the Bangladesh government, where the officials instructed the exit of the T20 World Cup 2026, with many cricketers responding to the unawareness of the scenario. The BPL 2025-26 concluded a few days ago with Rajshahi Warriors lifting the trophy; the domestic league of the nation is still on a pause. With many factors yet to be counted in, Bangladesh is still in deep waters for any possible overhaul soon and ahead of that, the Pakistan tour comes as a sigh of cricketing relief for the nation. Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a three-match ODI series on March 12, March 14 and March 16. It will be a multi-format tour, and hence the Test matches of the tour will be played later in May after the Pakistan Cricket Board sent a proposal to the BCB to split the tour into two phases due to a date clash with the Pakistan Super League’s 11th edition. Several Pakistan stars are expected to face scheduling issues because of the overlap between the Test tour and PSL matches. Domestic cricket scenario in Bangladesh after February 12 As per Simmon’s words, domestic cricket is set to return, but not before February 12, as the national election is scheduled to take place on that date. The BCB’s tournament committee had initially planned to launch the country’s first-ever Under-23 Bangladesh Cricket League in February, which is yet to be finalised on paper. Following the Under-23 competition, the BCB was also planning to stage a BCL four-day tournament in early April. However, with national players currently having a break following the T20 World Cup exit, the BCB’s tournament committee is now considering rearranging the schedule. As things stand, under the revised plan, the BCL four-day competition could begin soon after the election, while the Under-23 BCL may be pushed back to April.
