Pakistan Team Failing To Fill Seats In Bangladesh? BCB Takes Severe Step

Babar Azam Tamim Iqbal Before PAK vs BAN Tests. Image Credits: AFP

Since Tamim Iqbal’s induction as the new Bangladesh Cricket Board president, cricket fans in the country are getting some great news on and off the field. In what was a testing time for their cricket, they have toppled New Zealand in an ODI series, followed by a tied T20I series.

Now, Pakistan is set to return for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, having suffered a 2-1 loss in the ODI series earlier in Bangladesh. Once again, BCB has made some special arrangements for the match-going fans after the PSL knockouts failed to attract crowds last week.

BCB permits free entries for Tests vs PAK

Pakistan’s Test tour of Bangladesh will get underway on May 8 at the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. As Bangladesh play the first World Test Championship 2025-27 home series, the BCB took to their social media platforms to announce new arrangements for young fans in both Mirpur and Sylhet, where they would be allowed free entry to the stadiums.

In their official announcement, BCB confirmed that students from schools and educational institutions from both cities, carrying a valid ID card, will be allowed to watch the matches for free. They will have designated stands and galleries for these students, given that they are in uniforms.

Additionally, budding cricketers aged under 15 who are enrolled in private cricket clubs/academies will also get complimentary access to the venue — again, academy kits will be compulsory for entry.

These steps from Tamim Iqbal and co. are being taken to encourage participation in the sport across the country and groom young talent.

“On the occasion of the upcoming Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test Series, a special opportunity has been introduced to encourage young cricket enthusiasts to experience the ultimate form of the game from the stands and galleries,” BCB wrote in the official release.

Also Read: Babar Azam Backed To Lead Pakistan Team After PSL Heroics

Bangladesh aims for a historic double over Pakistan

Bangladesh and Pakistan last faced each other in a Test series back in August 2024, when Bangladesh toured Pakistan for two matches.

Having played Pakistan since 2002 in the longest format, the 2024 series was the first time ever that Bangladesh got the better of the Asian giants in a bilateral Test series with a 2-0 clean sweep.

Now, considering the positivity around the team after limited-overs series wins over Pakistan and New Zealand over the last couple of months, they will aim to replicate the form in red-ball cricket, with a full strength squad.

This is the first time in their short Test history that Bangladesh could win back-to-back series against the opposition, both home and away.

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh schedule

In the lead-up to the recent T20 World Cup and following the tournament, the cricketing ties between the two countries have improved massively. Apart from the open support from PCB for BCB during the World Cup withdrawal fiasco, they have faced each other in a significant number of matches.

Now, they play a two-game series, which begins on May 8 in Mirpur, followed by the other Test in Sylhet from May 16.