India to host Bangladesh in Tests for first time

India to host Bangladesh in Tests for first time

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh will play their first-ever Test match in India next February, a top cricket official said Wednesday. 

In spite of the fact that India have crossed the outskirt to Bangladesh, the Tigers have never played a five-day match on Indian soil since they picked up Test status in 2000, mostly in light of booking conflicts. 

Bangladesh have included in two constrained overs competitions in India — the Champions Trophy qualifiers in 2006 and the World Twenty20 this year. 

Leading body of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur called the forthcoming match a notable event and an "awesome expansion" to India's home season. 

"As a main Test-playing country it is BCCI's obligation to offer chance to each Test-playing country," he said in an announcement. 

India are at present second in the International Cricket Council Test rankings while Bangladesh are ninth. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board boss Nazmul Hassan said the match would be an essential affair for players and aficionados of both nations. 

"The long sit tight for us to play a Test match on Indian soil is at last over and this is a period for festivity," he said in the same explanation. 

The coincidental match will be played in the southern city of Hyderabad from February 8 to 12. 

India have won six of their eight Tests against Bangladesh, while two have finished in draws. 

India have a swarmed 2016-17 home season with the hosts set to play upwards of 13 Tests against top sides including Australia and England.