Bangladesh wrapped up their Test commitments for 2025 with a commanding 217-run victory over Ireland on Sunday, despite some gritty resistance from Curtis Campher and the Irish tailenders, who batted out almost two sessions on day five of the second Test.
The win sealed a 2-0 series sweep for the hosts, following their innings and a 47-run triumph in the opening Test in Sylhet.
However, with no more red-ball assignments scheduled for the rest of the year, Bangladesh now face a near four-month gap before they host Pakistan for a two-match Test series in March-April. After that break, a busy 2026 calendar awaits the Tigers, featuring 10 more Tests.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto urged for match-specific preparations ahead of Pakistan.
"Our expectations from the cricket board are simply that we get purposeful practice facilities, according to the challenges we are going to face. And we hope that during such a long gap, we can have a series against an overseas team, play a four-day match, or even have a domestic tournament like the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL)," Shanto said during the post-match presentation.
"If we can have those opportunities beyond just first-class cricket, then it becomes a bit easier for everyone to stay in rhythm. So that's what I will hope for."
Asked whether such a long break could make it difficult for longer-format specialists to stay match-ready, Shanto acknowledged the reality.
"It's very difficult. But as professional cricketers, there's really nothing we can do about it," Shanto said.
"What we always try to do – and what I want to ensure as captain – is that communication among everyone remains strong and that the individual practice sessions we have can be done with proper purpose."
Shanto expressed hope that Bangladesh might get the opportunity to play red-ball cricket before Pakistan arrive.
"If during this period there is an opportunity to play a four-day match before the Pakistan series, that would be even better. I don't know whether that opportunity will come. If the [Bangladesh Premier League] BPL takes place soon, then that's another scenario," he said, adding that players could also stay prepared by featuring in the ongoing National Cricket League.
Shanto further emphasised the need for red-ball involvement for those pushing for places in the Test side.
"Whenever Mominul [Haque] bhai, Shadman [Islam], or Mushfiqur [Rahim] bhai get opportunities, they more or less play matches. And I hope that the younger cricketers – if they get chances – also go and play," he added.
"We have to consider workload management, especially for pace bowlers, and the physios and trainers handle those areas. But as a captain, I always hope everyone plays matches because that's how you develop the habit of batting long or bowling long spells."