Tigresses to fine-tune in Scotland for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh are set to play a tri-nation series in Scotland as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) women’s wing chairperson Rubaba Dowla said the tri-series is part of a broader preparation plan for the global event.

“You have seen that our girls became unbeaten champions in the World Cup qualifying round. Next, they will go to England to play in the World Cup. Before that, we are organising the WBPL. After that, there is a home series, and then a tri-series is scheduled to take place in Scotland. All of these are part of our overall plan,” she told reporters in Mirpur on Wednesday after a meeting of the Women’s BPL Governing Council and working committee.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. They will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on June 14 at Edgbaston.

Ahead of last year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, Bangladesh lacked adequate international exposure, which was reflected in their performances, as they narrowly lost several close matches. The board is determined to avoid a repeat of that scenario this time.

The BCB has already communicated with Cricket Scotland regarding the tri-series. According to a women’s wing official, Bangladesh are expected to arrive in Scotland two weeks before the World Cup. Scotland and the Netherlands are likely to be the other two participating teams, with matches expected to be held in Edinburgh.

Before travelling to Scotland, Bangladesh will host Sri Lanka for a three-match WODI and a three-match WT20I series. The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on April 17.

Meanwhile, Rubaba confirmed that the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League (WBPL), featuring three teams, will follow a draft system. Players will be selected through the draft, which, according to a BCB official, is scheduled for March 14.

“We have already made plans to ensure the payments are secured so that disbursements can be made on time. We will select team owners only after verifying their credibility and financial capability, so that the tournament can be completed smoothly,” she said.

“We are hopeful that we will get some good team owners going forward. After that, the players will be selected through the draft process,” she added.