When asked which cricket format Bangladesh loves the most, almost every supporter would answer—One Day Internationals (ODI). Once upon a time, Bangladesh cricket was synonymous with dominance and confidence in the 50-over format.
The Tigers had mastered ODI cricket so well that any opponent, no matter how strong, had to show them respect.
Whether it was failure in Tests or T20s, Bangladesh’s cricket fans always had faith in the ODI format.
Under the leadership of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Bangladesh experienced a golden chapter—one where the Tigers defeated cricketing giants like India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
It was this format that carried Bangladesh to the Champions Trophy semifinal, the World Cup quarterfinal, the first-ever tri-nation series win, and Asia Cup finals.
But now, that glorious story seems buried under the dust of time. Bangladesh has lost its rhythm, its identity in the very format once dearest to them.
The team seems to have forgotten how to win in ODIs.
Over the past year, Bangladesh have won only a handful of ODI matches. Defeat after defeat has become their unwanted companion.
A closer look at their performance reveals a team caught in a crisis of transition. The era of the “Panchpandav” is over, but no new generation of equal quality has emerged to replace them.
Though the young cricketers possess talent, they lack experience and mental toughness.
Added to that are poor planning by the board, uncertainty in the coaching setup, and ill-structured player development through franchise cricket-all creating a confusing and chaotic reality for Bangladesh’s ODI team.
The question is simple — who is responsible for this situation? During the “Panchpandav”era of Bangladesh cricket, there was a clear lack of long-term planning and almost no structured process for nurturing young talent.
While teams like Australia, England, and India were already developing specialized players for different formats, Bangladesh continued to rely heavily on its golden generation — Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza— even in matches against relatively smaller teams like Ireland or Zimbabwe.
As a result, no new leadership emerged, and no proper backup players were developed. The dependence on the same set of senior players may have brought short-term stability, but it created a long-term vacuum — one that the team is still struggling to fill today.
Moreover, from past to present, the selection committee’s short-sightedness, irregular team combinations, and frequent captaincy changes have only weakened the team further.
The current generation—players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Zakir Ali—are committed and hardworking, but without proper planning and consistent support, it will be nearly impossible for them to bring back the lost glory.
Statistics tell a bitter story of Bangladesh’s ODI cricket. In the past year, Bangladesh played 12 ODIs, winning only two—one against Sri Lanka earlier this year and another against Afghanistan last year in Sharjah.
The last ODI series victory came at home against Sri Lanka in 2024. After that, Bangladesh lost consecutive series—first to Afghanistan (2–1) and then to the West Indies (3–0).
Coincidentally, Bangladesh lost ODI series to Afghanistan in both 2024 and 2025.
During the Champions Trophy this February, Bangladesh played two matches and lost both.
A team once capable of scoring 280 or 300+ runs now struggles to even cross 250. It’s hard to recall the last time Bangladesh batted through the full 50 overs.
At present, Bangladesh’s performances—across all formats—paint the same grim picture: One day the bowling fails, another day it’s the batting or fielding, and sometimes all three collapse together. The team seems to have lost not only form but also the hunger to win.
A closer look reveals that batting failures have been the major cause of concern. In the last 12 matches, Bangladesh crossed 250 runs only three times.
Twice against the West Indies last December, and once against Afghanistan in November. Only once did they manage to score over 300.
Even when chasing small targets, they have thrown away wickets with reckless shot selection.
Batting frailty reached such a low that the team, once known for its golden ODI era, was bowled out for just 93 runs in one match.
Because of this dreadful form, Bangladesh now faces the real danger of missing direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Unless they whitewash the West Indies in their upcoming series, they might have to go through the qualifying rounds to earn a World Cup spot.
This current drought reminds fans of the dark days of 1999–2004. After famously defeating Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup, Bangladesh went nearly five years without another ODI victory.
They finally won again in 2004 against Zimbabwe in Harare after enduring 47 consecutive losses.
Including Test defeats, the total number of winless matches stood at 75, a record streak of despair.
Moreover, Bangladesh last lost four consecutive ODI series back in 2011—against Australia, Zimbabwe, the West Indies, and Pakistan. Three years later, in 2014, they again suffered 12 consecutive defeats across bilateral series and the Asia Cup.
Later, between October 2016 and October 2017, Bangladesh went winless in four ODI series, though they managed to draw one series (1–1) against Sri Lanka in March 2017, preventing a fifth consecutive loss.
Statistically, Bangladesh’s best ODI years were 2015, 2021, and 2022. Between May 2021 and July 2022, Bangladesh won five consecutive ODI series, including a historic away series victory in South Africa. That streak finally ended when they lost to Zimbabwe in mid-2022.
Bangladesh cricket has progressed somewhat compared to earlier times. Today’s team cannot be directly compared to the team of the past, yet recent performances show that something new has emerged.
Bangladesh has now learned to excel in at least one format of the game. Looking back to 2015, Bangladesh was a dominant force in ODI cricket, but whenever it came to Test or T20 matches, the team would struggle badly.
Over time, Bangladesh has now become an aggressive and formidable side in T20s, yet in ODIs and Tests, the team remains far behind.
But the main question is — why did Bangladesh gradually fade away from being one of the strongest ODI teams of its time?
The answer lies primarily in our domestic cricket structure, especially the Dhaka Premier League (DPL).
As always, the quality of domestic cricket seems to be a major obstacle to overall cricketing development.
The quality gap between domestic and international cricket is stark — particularly in first-class cricket, where the pitches are poor, and the level of competition is weak.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has still failed to create a clear roadmap for developing the next generation.
There is no proper system to retain and groom the talented players who emerge from the Under-19 level. Domestic cricket still lacks quality pitches, advanced coaching, and a truly competitive structure.
As a result, young cricketers struggle to adapt to the international level. Moreover, the same players are being used repeatedly, which causes both skill stagnation and an increase in injury risks.
In the Dhaka Premier League, a score of 230–250 is still considered a winning total. This mindset itself shows the lack of ambition — where players believe that merely reaching that score is enough.
In modern cricket, where batsmen are expected to accelerate and keep the scoreboard moving from the 20th over onward, Bangladesh’s batting lineup still crawls like a turtle.
Now comes the question — whom will you drop and whom will you include? Who are the alternatives, and how good is their form?
Suppose we consider openers like Parvez Hossain Emon and Soumya Sarkar, or middle-order batters like Liton Das and Afif Hossain, with Mosaddek Hossain as a finisher — beyond that, whom can we really rely on?
The reason is simple: Bangladesh has been indifferent about developing strong alternatives. Even players like Tanzid Tamim, Shamim Patwari, Zakir Ali, or Nurul Hasan Sohan, though talented, haven’t shown proper preparation or the mindset to build long innings or play versatile roles.
Meanwhile, promising players like Mahidul Islam Ankon and Yasir Ali Rabbi are being wasted. Yasir Rabbi was once a regular in all three formats, but his potential was destroyed by selecting him simultaneously in all of them, only to drop him from all formats at once.
The DPL is often described as the gateway to the national team. However, the so-called “alternative players” who are supposed to be developed there or those who are meant to regain form end up playing only for the sake of participation.
They play with the mindset of doing just enough to survive a few series, rather than learning how to win matches, chase big totals, or handle global-stage pressure. Coaching fails to teach them how to think like match-winners.
As a result, for many Bangladeshi batters, a 230–250 target seems huge. Moreover, players from one format are often used in another — the same cricketers play Test, ODI, and T20 series — and this constant crossover prevents them from adapting to specific formats, hurting the team’s reputation.
Take Mominul Haque, for example — a technically solid batsman who could have become one of Bangladesh’s best left-handers in ODIs after Tamim and Shakib.
But he never got a stable chance because too much focus was placed on the “Poncho Pandab.” Had players like Mominul, Sabbir, Mosaddek, Soumya, Afif, or Yasir Rabbi — along with Under-19 and HP players — been used to form a “Bangladesh B Team,” we could have developed a strong second lineup of capable replacements.
But selectors lacked that courage, sticking instead to the same “winning combination” year after year — and now, the team is paying the price.
Ironically, when selectors are asked to bring back experienced players like Mominul, they dismiss the idea by saying those players are “past their prime” and prefer investing in “new faces.”
Bangladesh’s Under-19 team performs consistently well — even winning the 2020 U-19 World Cup and the Asia Cup titles in 2023 and 2024 — yet most of those players fail to make a successful transition to the senior level.
The reasons are poor monitoring, lack of skill development, and insufficient mental training. Many domestic performers either take too long to reach the national team or never get consistent opportunities.
The problem is also psychological. Many Bangladeshi players rely more on emotion than logic. They often fail to control their temperament in crucial situations — getting involved in unnecessary confrontations or reacting too strongly to umpiring decisions.
A player does well in one match and is then moved to a different batting position in the next — ruining his rhythm. Constant position changes mean no one can settle, and logical decisions are often replaced by emotional ones or public opinion.
Another recurring problem is forcing T20 players to play in ODI or Test formats. Just because someone performs in one format, they’re pushed into all three — a habit that has ended many careers, and continues to do so.
Bangladesh’s current ODI situation mirrors that of present-day Sri Lanka. During Sri Lanka’s “Golden Generation” — with Kumar Sangakara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Lasith Malinga — the team’s success was built on these stars.
The management relied too heavily on them, leaving no room for newcomers. Once those legends retired, a void was created that Sri Lanka still hasn’t filled.
Sangakara, Mahela, and Dilshan were world-class, but no mentorship or succession structure was built for their replacements.
In contrast, countries like India, Australia, and England developed “B Team cultures.” When Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were nearing senior status, India already had Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Nitesh Kumar Reddy, and Yashasvi Jaiswal ready.
Sri Lanka lacked such foresight — and now, even with talented players like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, their team remains inconsistent.
They win bilateral series but fail in global tournaments due to the same issues: lack of long-term structure, no clear format separation, and poor player development planning.
That same pattern is now visible in Bangladesh cricket. When a team relies solely on senior players, young cricketers don’t get enough confidence or opportunity to grow.
Once the seniors retire, the team loses balance, guidance, and experience. Today’s Bangladesh team is searching for its identity — the young players have talent and enthusiasm but lack consistency and leadership.
Just like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh is now facing a period of reconstruction.
Another major concern is Bangladesh’s format-based mindset. Once, ODI success was the ultimate measure of achievement — Test and T20 failures were ignored.
Now, the situation is reversed. A few T20 wins are celebrated, while ODI and Test defeats raise unanswered questions. Such one-format focus is harmful.
True cricketing progress requires balance across all formats — in selection, training, and coaching philosophy.
Coaching crisis and outdated methods
Looking at the current coaching setup — from Phil Simmons to Mushtaq Ahmed and Mohammad Salahuddin — the methods seem outdated and incompatible with modern cricket.
If we examine teams like India, Australia, or England, we see their coaches constantly working on player versatility — developing power-hitters, teaching bowlers to bat, improving strike rates, and mastering short-pitch deliveries.
Batsmen are trained to score 20 runs off 10 balls; bowlers are trained to defend 8–20 runs in the last over.
Teams hold Pressure Simulation Camps that mimic real-match tension to build mental resilience. Every squad has a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Nutritionist, Sports Psychologist and Biomechanics Analyst.
England’s “Bazball” philosophy, for example, uses data analytics to decide which batter should attack which bowler — allowing them to dominate bilateral series and global tournaments alike.
In Bangladesh, however, coaching remains primitive. The focus is on winning a few bilateral series, not on preparing for world events.
Batters are not being properly developed or settled into positions. One bad match can get a player dropped instantly, while others are retained despite repeated failures. The middle order still lacks a genuine finisher or a consistent power-hitter.
Net sessions consist mostly of batting, bowling, and fielding drills — not match-scenario training. Batsmen are taught technique but not intent or how to increase strike rate.
Professional fitness coaches and nutritionists are rare or undervalued. Many young players remain below international fitness standards, limiting their power-hitting and pace.
In other countries, a player is given 15–20 matches to measure growth. In Bangladesh, one or two failures lead to exclusion.
Data analysis and performance-tracking tools are hardly used, and there’s a shortage of qualified analysts and data coaches.
The BCB often interferes with coaching decisions, limiting coaches’ independence. Many high-profile coaches prefer teams where professionalism and patience exist — not where short-term results dictate everything.
This is why coaches like Jamie Siddons, Allan Donald, and Steve Rhodes came for brief periods but left soon after.
Bangladesh also over-relies on foreign coaches who often face communication barriers with players, leading to poor psychological connection.
Mental and physical workload management is ignored, causing inconsistency and burnout.
There was never a succession plan for replacing Tamim or Shakib. Promising names like Soumya Sarkar, Naim Sheikh, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mosaddek Hossain, and Anamul Haque Bijoy all showed early potential but lacked continuity — affected by unstable selection, constant batting-order changes, or being dropped too soon.
Leadership is another crisis. Since the retirements of Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh has lacked a stable captain.
Leadership has become a temporary responsibility, leaving the team without direction or unity.
Big cricketing nations like India, Australia, England, or South Africa are often reluctant to play bilateral series with Bangladesh because they see no real competitive value.
They prefer stronger opponents for their ICC event preparations. Bangladesh, meanwhile, keeps playing lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe.
The retirement of the “Golden Generation Panchpandav” — Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur, and Mahmudullah — marks the end of an era.
The new generation must now step up with skill and responsibility. Bangladesh needs to rebuild its ODI team with a new, modern approach.
The Way Forward
Each format — ODI, Test, and T20 — needs separate strategies, specialized coaching, and dedicated squads.
“Bangladesh B Team” should be formed with players like Mominul, Sabbir, Mosaddek, Soumya, and Afif, along with HP and U-19 talents.
This would allow player rotation, workload management, and injury recovery while building alternatives.
Young players shouldn’t be dropped after one or two failures; they should be given at least 8–10 consecutive matches to prove themselves.
Fearless, attacking cricket must be encouraged, and proper hard-hitters developed — especially for the last 10 overs.
Batters must learn strike rotation against spin, while bowlers should practice yorkers, slower balls, and field-setting strategies for death overs.
Domestic cricket must be made competitive and technically sound since it’s the backbone of the national team.
The national coaching staff should regularly monitor domestic leagues and understand the players’ training habits to prepare them for higher levels.
Leadership cannot be born; it must be developed. Promising young players should receive leadership training early.
Bangladesh also needs player-specific fitness mapping — separate programs for batsmen and bowlers — like other top nations.
Players should learn to analyze their performances using video and data — understanding where they get out, which bowlers trouble them, and under what conditions.
Practice sessions should include scenario-based training such as “70 runs needed off 50 balls with 5 wickets left” or “50 runs required in the last 5 overs” to improve match sense and pressure-handling skills.
For openers, players like Tanzid Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Liton Das, and Najmul Hossain Shanto are the regulars, while backups like Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Anamul Haque Bijoy — along with HP and U-19 players — must be utilized effectively.
In the middle order, technically strong and position-specific batters are essential. While Liton is settled as an opening wicketkeeper-batter, Nurul Hasan Sohan and Zakir Ali must be groomed for middle-order roles through targeted practice — scoop shots, reverse sweeps, quick singles, and match-situation simulations.
For example, “180/5 after 40 overs” or “50 runs needed in the last 5 overs.”
They should also work on standing-up keeping drills against spinners, video self-analysis and mental simulation practice to strengthen decision-making.
All-rounders like Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain, and Shamim Patwari must be trained to adapt according to opposition strengths, while substitutes like Sabbir and Mosaddek should also be developed strategically.
Players should be encouraged to participate in foreign franchise leagues — it helps improve technique, mindset, and exposure through interaction with world-class players and coaches.
If Bangladesh truly wants top-tier coaches, it must ensure administrative transparency, coaching independence, fair pay, and long-term planning.
Alongside foreign coaches, qualified local coaches should be appointed and sent abroad for training — to modernize their methods and gain international exposure. This will strengthen both domestic and national-level coaching ecosystems.
If these steps are implemented sincerely, Bangladesh cricket can successfully produce strong backup players and become a more competitive force in world cricket.
