BSS
  13 Oct 2025, 18:44

Ample opportunity still for Bangladesh to have direct WC qualification

DHAKA, Oct 13, 2025 (BSS)- The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today stated 
that the national cricket team still has the ample opportunity to make a 
direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The BCB's statement came in the wake of recent reports in a section of the 
local media concerning the number of ODIs Bangladesh are scheduled to play 
ahead of the qualification cut-off for the next World Cup.

"Some of these reports have presented inaccurate or misleading information 
regarding the team's match commitments and ranking opportunities," the BCB 
said in a statement.
 
The BCB informed that Bangladesh will play 24 ODIs, including the upcoming 
third and final ODI against Afghanistan both at home and abroad, between 
October 14, 2025 and November 2026 under the current ICC Future Tours 
Programme (FTP).

 "This period is critical for determining automatic qualification for the 
World Cup, with the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings (excluding hosts 
South Africa and Zimbabwe) earning direct entry," the statement added.

Following the ODI series defeat to Afghanistan, some reports suggested that 
Bangladesh's direct qualification for the next World Cup is in limbo and they 
might have to play the qualifiers. 

But BCB said: "These (24) matches are part of bilateral series agreed upon 
under the ICC FTP and play a direct role in determining Bangladesh's standing 
in the ODI rankings."

"Those will provide ample opportunity for the team to earn ranking points 
required for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification."

"The BCB urges all media professionals and platforms to ensure accuracy and 
responsibility in reporting. We strongly encourage verification through 
official channels before publishing stories related to international fixtures 
and tournament qualification processes," the statement concluded.

Bangladesh's upcoming ODIs

Afghanistan - 1 ODI (Away)
West Indies - 3 ODIs (Home)
Pakistan -    3 ODIs (Home)
New Zealand - 3 ODIs (Home)
Australia -   3 ODIs (Home)
Zimbabwe -   5 ODIs (Away)
Ireland -    3 ODIs (Away)
India -      3 ODIs (Home)