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 launch of an Honours Board at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. A special program was organized by the board on June 26, 2000, marking this significant milestone.

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

Bangladesh played its first Test match against India on November 10, 2000.

Alongside the Honours Board, a commemorative cabinet was installed, showcasing trophies won by Bangladeshi players.

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 cricketers like Nayeem Hasan and Nahid Rana are also recognized.

Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan inaugurated the Honours Board. The event reunited many players from Bangladesh's inaugural Test against India in 2000. However, Naimur Rahman Durjoy, Akram Khan, Khaled Mashud Pilot, Manjurul Islam, and Al Shahriar Rokon were absent due to personal commitments.

This reunion was part of a week-long celebration of the country's 25 years of Test status.

Various events are being held nationwide to celebrate this achievement, including an Under-12 six-a-side tournament in divisional cities, as well as a search for promising pacers and spinners.

The BCB hosted the reunion to honor those who laid the foundation for Bangladesh's Test cricket journey. The ceremony was led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, the country's first Test centurion and current BCB president, and included members of the coaching staff from that historic game.

Bulbul stated that the celebration served a dual purpose: to commemorate 25 years of Test cricket and to revitalize the sport across the nation.

Habibul Bashar recalled the excitement of his late call-up to the team. He recounted how he was informed of his selection at the last minute and his joy at becoming a Test cricketer.