The Bangladesh women’s cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming series against Ireland, holding practice sessions at Mirpur and a private university ground.

Led by skipper Nigar Sultana, the team has already played two practice matches among themselves.

Head coach Hashan Tillakaratne, however, is on a brief leave, having travelled to his home country, Sri Lanka.

It is learned that his wife, Apsari Singhabahu Tillakaratne, contested the Sri Lankan national elections as a candidate for the main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Hashan is expected to return to Bangladesh ahead of the series.

The ODI series against Ireland will kick off on 27 November at Mirpur, followed by the T20 series in Sylhet. This tour is a part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP).