Bangladesh Cricket Board Marks 25 Years of Test Status with Honours Board Launch

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) commemorated the silver jubilee of achieving Test status with the inauguration of an Honours Board at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The special program, held on June 26, 2000, marked 25 years since the momentous occasion.

Bangladesh played its first Test match against India on November 10, 2000, signaling the beginning of their journey in Test cricket.

The Honours Board at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. © BCB

In addition to the Honours Board, a commemorative cabinet was also unveiled, showcasing the trophies won by Bangladeshi players over the years.

The Test Honours Board features the names of all Bangladesh Test cricketers, from Akram Khan and Habibul Bashar Suman to Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan. Current players such as Nayeem Hasan and Nahid Rana are also included.

Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan officially inaugurated the Honours Board. The event served as a reunion for many players who participated in Bangladesh's inaugural Test match against India in 2000. However, Naimur Rahman Durjoy, Akram Khan, Khaled Mashud Pilot, Manjurul Islam, and Al Shahriar Rokon were unable to attend due to personal commitments.

The reunion was a highlight of the week-long celebration of the country's 25 years as a Test-playing nation.

Throughout the country, various events are taking place to celebrate this significant achievement in cricket. These include an Under-12 six-a-side tournament in divisional cities, as well as a pacer and spinner talent search.

The BCB hosted a reunion to honor the individuals who laid the foundation for Bangladesh's Test cricket journey. The ceremony, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh's first Test centurion and current BCB president, brought together players and coaching staff from that historic game.

Bulbul stated that the celebration served two purposes: to commemorate 25 years of Test cricket and to revitalize the sport in various parts of the country.

Habibul Bashar recalled the excitement of receiving his call-up to the team at the last minute. "I wasn't supposed to play. Aminul bhai called Shovon bhai to pass the message - we didn't have phones then. I was just happy to tell myself that I'm going to be a Test cricketer," he said.