Bangladesh want T20s instead of ODIs in Ireland

Bangladesh have requested Ireland to host them for a Twenty20 series in July, instead of an ODI series as was planned earlier. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made its proposal to Cricket Ireland in order to help its national team prepare for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September.

Ireland had planned to host Bangladesh in July for three ODIs. Bangladesh were then to go to Scotland to play two more ODIs against Scotland and Netherlands. Cricket Ireland also wanted to include a four-day game against Bangladesh, but could not find the funding for the same.

"The Board has requested Cricket Ireland to rearrange the fixture for Bangladesh's Tour of UK in July. The BCB has proposed playing five T20 internationals instead of five ODIs keeping in mind preparation for the ICC World T20 event in Sri Lanka in September," a BCB board release stated.

Ireland, last month, had submitted a proposal to the ICC, seeking to play 12 to 15 ODIs a year to recognise their rising standards.