Bangladesh in talks to play tri-nation series with Australia and Pakistan
Bangladesh likely to play a tri-nation series with Australia
Bangladesh could feature in a potential tri-nation series involving Australia and Pakistan in February 2026. A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source has confirmed the development to Cricfrenzy.
Cricket Australia (CA) has a history of emphasizing adaptation before ICC events held in the subcontinent.
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Before the 2021 T20 World Cup, Australia played a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh as part of their preparation. Similarly, before the 2025 Champions Trophy, Australia tuned up with a Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka.
The next ICC event, the 2026 T20 World Cup, will be held in India and Sri Lanka during February-March. In preparation, Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan in early February for a three-match T20I series.
However, both boards are now considering converting the bilateral series into a tri-nation tournament, with Bangladesh as the third team.
A BCB source confirmed that due to recently strengthened bilateral ties, Pakistan is inclined to include Bangladesh as the third team. Although an official proposal from the PCB has yet to reach the BCB, informal communication has taken place, expressing interest in organizing the tournament.
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PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is currently in Bangladesh for the ACC Annual General Meeting on July 24–25. During the sidelines of the meeting, he is expected to hold discussions with BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul regarding the tri-series.
If all goes according to plan, the announced bilateral series between Pakistan and Australia could evolve into a seven-match tri-nation series — with each team playing two matches against the others. The top two sides would then meet in the final.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh are set to go a month without competitive cricket after the ongoing series, as India’s scheduled August tour for three ODIs and three T20Is has been postponed to September 2026.
With the Asia Cup approaching, concerns are growing over the Tigers’ lack of preparation.
However, BCB officials believe that the potential tri-series could serve as a timely and vital build-up for the T20 World Cup.
