The Cricket Ireland has confirmed a landmark tour for its men’s team: a two-match Test series and three-match T20I series against the Bangladesh Cricket Board in November and December 2025. This isn’t just another bilateral series — it’s a critical step in Ireland’s long, uphill climb to establish itself as a credible Test nation. The first Test, already played in Sylhet, ended in a crushing innings and 47-run defeat for Ireland, exposing the gulf between the two sides. But the real story lies ahead — in Dhaka, where the second Test begins at 9:30 am BST, and where the T20I finale will be played under lights at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
What’s at Stake for Ireland?
Ireland’s Test journey has been a tale of grit against overwhelming odds. They’ve played just 14 Test matches since gaining full status in 2017. Against Bangladesh, they’ve played only one — in Dhaka in 2023. That match, though lost by 155 runs, gave us a glimpse of promise: Jack Tucker, then a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, scored 108 on debut. Fourteen fours. One six. A cover drive that echoed through the stands. He became only the sixth wicketkeeper in Test history to hit a century on debut. That innings wasn’t just personal glory — it was a signal. Ireland could compete. Maybe even survive. But survival isn’t enough anymore. This 2025 series is about proving they can win. Not just hold on. Not just score a century. Win.The Schedule: Dates, Venues, and Broadcast Details
The T20I series kicks off on Friday, November 27, 2025, at 6:00 pm BST at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The second T20I follows — likely on November 29 — at the same ground. The series wraps up on an unspecified date in Dhaka, with the final match starting at 2:00 pm BST at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The second Test, still without a confirmed date, will also be played in Dhaka, with play starting daily at 9:30 am BST. Live coverage will be handled by T Sports, Bangladesh’s primary cricket broadcaster. Their YouTube channel — T Sports BD — has already flagged "Day 2 | Ireland tour of Bangladesh, 2025" as upcoming content. For Irish fans, Cricket Ireland’s official site offers live blogs and streaming links, while T Sports’ mobile apps (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) will be the go-to for viewers in South Asia.Head-to-Head: A One-Sided Rivalry
The numbers don’t lie. In Test cricket, Bangladesh leads 1-0. In ODIs, they’ve won 11 of 16 meetings. In T20Is, it’s 5-2 in Bangladesh’s favor, with one match abandoned. Ireland’s two T20I wins came in 2019 and 2021 — both in Ireland, under gray skies and on slow pitches. In Bangladesh, under blazing sun and on turning tracks, they’ve lost every single encounter. That’s the reality Ireland must confront. This isn’t a mismatch — it’s a mirror. It reflects where they are: a team with heart, with talent, but still lacking the depth, experience, and mental toughness to consistently beat established Test nations.
Why This Tour Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
Cricket Ireland has invested heavily in its Test pathway. The 2023 tour to Bangladesh was their first overseas Test series in five years. The 2025 tour is their second. That’s not a lot. And yet, each match is a brick in the foundation of a future they hope to build. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, with its 22,000 seats and electric crowds, will test Ireland’s young batsmen. The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka — home to 25,000 roaring fans — will test their nerves. These aren’t just venues. They’re proving grounds. For players like Jack Tucker, now 24 and still the team’s primary wicketkeeper, this is a chance to lead. For newcomers, it’s a chance to announce themselves. For the coaching staff, it’s about building resilience — not just runs.What Comes Next?
If Ireland wins even one match in this series — Test or T20I — it will be their biggest achievement since beating England in the 2011 World Cup. But winning isn’t the only metric. How many players score 50+ in both innings? How many bowlers take five-wicket hauls on wearing pitches? How many young Irishmen finish the tour saying, "I belong here?" The answer to those questions will determine whether this tour was a footnote… or a turning point.
Historical Echoes: The 2023 Test in Dhaka
That 2023 Test still lingers in the minds of Irish fans. After being bowled out for 195 in the first innings, Ireland faced 350 runs to save the match. Then came Tucker’s 108. Then came the collapse. They were all out for 195 again. The innings defeat was brutal. But Tucker’s century? That was the spark. A spark that still flickers. Now, three years later, the same team returns. Same conditions. Same opponent. Different players. Different expectations.Frequently Asked Questions
How does this tour impact Ireland’s Test status?
Every Test match Ireland plays now counts toward their ICC Test ranking and future qualification for the World Test Championship. With only 14 Tests played since 2017, consistent participation is vital. A competitive performance in Bangladesh could strengthen their case for more Test opportunities, while another heavy loss may delay future tours. Cricket Ireland needs results — not just appearances.
Who are Ireland’s key players to watch in this series?
Jack Tucker remains central, but watch all-rounder Andrew Balbirnie, the captain, who averages 42 in Tests. Fast bowler Josh Little has shown pace and swing in T20s, and could exploit Bangladesh’s middle-order fragility. The spin duo of George Dockrell and Mark Adair will be tested on turning Dhaka pitches.
Why is Bangladesh so dominant in these matchups?
Bangladesh plays more Tests, has better infrastructure, and benefits from home conditions — slow, turning pitches that suit their spinners. Their players are full-time professionals with years of domestic and international exposure. Ireland, by contrast, still relies heavily on part-time professionals. The gap isn’t just skill — it’s system, funding, and experience.
Can Ireland win a Test match in Bangladesh?
No team from outside the top 8 has won a Test in Bangladesh since 2005. But Ireland isn’t just any team. They’ve beaten England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in ODIs. If their top order holds, Tucker bats again, and their bowlers contain Bangladesh’s aggressive middle order — a draw is possible. A win? It’s a long shot. But in cricket, long shots win matches.
Where can fans watch the matches live?
Live coverage is available through T Sports on YouTube and their mobile apps (Google Play and App Store). Cricket Ireland’s website offers live blogs and audio commentary. International viewers outside Bangladesh may need a VPN to access T Sports’ stream, though some platforms like Willow TV or FanCode may carry the matches depending on regional rights.
What’s the significance of the venues in Chattogram and Dhaka?
Both stadiums are battle-tested. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram is known for its early spin assistance and tight boundaries, favoring bowlers. The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka has hosted over 50 international matches, including World Cup games. It’s where Bangladesh’s best players thrive — and where Ireland’s next generation will learn whether they belong.