Liton Das and teammates arrive in Dhaka after disappointing losses against UAE and Pakistan

The Bangladesh national cricket team has returned home following back-to-back defeats in two T20 series against the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. The first group of players landed in Dhaka on Monday evening, June 2, marking the end of what has been a disappointing tour for the team.

The initial group of returning players included Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Liton Das, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. They were accompanied by Towhid Hridoy, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam. A second group of players is scheduled to arrive later in the night around 11 PM.

Bangladesh's final match of the tour came against Pakistan, where the team once again faced defeat. Despite putting up a competitive total of 196 runs after choosing to bat first, the bowling unit failed to defend the target. Pakistan chased down the score with ease, securing a 7-wicket victory and sealing the series 3-0.

The series loss to Pakistan followed an earlier defeat against the UAE, compounding the pressure on the team and its management as preparations continue for upcoming international tournaments.

After the match, team captain Liton Das did not shy away from expressing his disappointment. Speaking to the media, he reflected on the team’s shortcomings throughout the series. “Yes, obviously we didn’t bowl well. In the first two matches, our batting and fielding were also not up to the mark. Today we batted well, but we have to learn how to bowl to different types of batters. We must improve in these areas,” he said.

The series exposed several weaknesses in the squad, particularly in terms of consistency and adaptability. While individual performances showed glimpses of potential, the collective effort often fell short, especially under pressure situations. The inability to capitalize on strong starts and failure to execute death-over strategies continued to be a recurring issue throughout the tour.

These losses are expected to prompt serious discussions within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the team’s approach, selection, and strategic planning. With major tournaments such as the ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team faces mounting pressure to address these performance gaps and build a more resilient and competitive unit.

As the players regroup in Dhaka, questions remain about what changes—if any—will be made to the team setup. For now, the team will take time to reflect, reassess, and prepare for the challenges ahead.