Sports Desk:

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is gearing up for a grand celebration as veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim edges closer to a historic milestone, becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Test matches.

According to the BCB’s recently announced schedule, Bangladesh will host Ireland for a two-match Test series and three T20Is in November. The Irish team is set to arrive in Dhaka on November 6, with the first Test scheduled from November 11 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test on November 19 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, which will mark Mushfiqur’s landmark 100th appearance in the format.

Although the name of Bangladesh’s Test captain is yet to be confirmed, board officials have hinted that a final decision will be made within the week. Meanwhile, preparations are already underway to make Mushfiqur’s 100th Test a memorable occasion, with the BCB planning several special events and tributes to honor his two-decade-long contribution to Bangladesh cricket.

At 38 years of age, Mushfiqur remains one of the pillars of Bangladesh’s red-ball side. Over 98 Test matches, he has accumulated 6,328 runs at an average of 38.10, including 12 centuries and 27 fifties. His consistency, resilience, and leadership have long made him one of the most respected figures in the country’s cricketing history.

Among Bangladesh’s other Test stalwarts, Mominul Haque follows with 73 appearances, while Shakib Al Hasan (71), Tamim Iqbal (70), and Mohammad Ashraful (61) trail behind.

After the Test series, both Bangladesh and Ireland will head to Chittagong, where the three T20 matches will be staged at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lt. Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium on November 27, 29, and December 2.

As the nation awaits the momentous occasion, Mushfiqur’s 100th Test promises to be more than just another match; it will be a celebration of dedication, longevity, and an extraordinary career that helped shape the identity of Bangladesh cricket.