Tigers return with eye on Sri Lanka

The Tigers returned home yesterday after playing the much-talked about one-off Test against India in Hyderabad which the visitors lost by 208 runs.

While some key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad will be busy playing the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai, the rest of the players will enjoy a break from cricket.

The Tigers' next focus will be on their upcoming month-long tour of Sri Lanka where they will play two Tests, three ODIs and two T20I matches. However, they will get back to business on February 24 when a short camp begins in Mirpur.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was waiting for official disclosure of the itinerary of the tour from their Sri Lanka counterparts although the schedule has been finalised long ago.

However it was learnt that Bangladesh would fly to Colombo on February 27 although the departure may be delayed by a day subject to availability of flights and they are set to play a two-day practice match before the first of the two Tests starting in Dambulla from March 7.

Mushfiqur Rahim did not return with the team as the Bangladesh Test skipper went to Delhi to collect brand new bats from his sponsor. He is set to return home tomorrow. Opener Tamim Iqbal and middle-order batsman Mahmudullah Riyad went straight to Dubai to feature in Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned with the team but will leave for Dubai today to play in the PSL as well.

The foreign coaching staff of the Bangladesh team, including coach Chandika Hathurusingha, also went to their respective homes from India. They will return to Dhaka before the first training session for the Sri Lanka tour.