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International cricket continues to grow beyond traditional strongholds, and 2025 brings yet another landmark moment for emerging cricket nations. Bahrain will embark on a historic tour of Bhutan for a five-match T20 International series. This tour is particularly significant because it marks the first-ever bilateral T20I series between Bhutan and Bahrain, highlighting the rapid development and rising ambitions of both Associate cricket nations.
The series will run from December 8 to December 14, 2025, with all five matches scheduled at the picturesque Gelephu International Cricket Ground—a venue that has become central to Bhutan’s cricketing aspirations. All matches will begin at 9:30 AM local time, offering early-morning cricket action that fans in the region can enjoy.
This tour carries meaningful implications for both nations as the results will feed into the ICC T20I team rankings, helping shape future qualification pathways for global events. For Associate members like Bhutan and Bahrain, every international outing becomes an opportunity to refine their skills, test new combinations, and potentially climb the rankings ladder.
Why This Series Matters
Cricket in Bhutan and Bahrain has grown steadily in the last decade. While Bahrain has made noticeable progress at regional qualifiers, Bhutan has focused heavily on grassroots development and infrastructure upgrades, including improvements at the Gelephu ground.
This bilateral series represents:
- A chance for developing cricketers to gain match exposure
- A platform to build competitive depth
- An opportunity to improve ICC rankings and visibility
- A major milestone in Bhutan’s cricketing history
Both teams are eager to showcase their strength, test new talent, and set the tone for future seasons.
Bahrain Tour of Bhutan 2025 – Full T20I Schedule
All matches will take place at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground, with a uniform start time of 09:30 AM local time.
| Date & Day | Match No. | Fixture | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, December 8 | 1st T20I | Bhutan vs Bahrain | Gelephu International Cricket Ground | 09:30 AM |
| Tuesday, December 9 | 2nd T20I | Bhutan vs Bahrain | Gelephu International Cricket Ground | 09:30 AM |
| Thursday, December 11 | 3rd T20I | Bhutan vs Bahrain | Gelephu International Cricket Ground | 09:30 AM |
| Friday, December 12 | 4th T20I | Bhutan vs Bahrain | Gelephu International Cricket Ground | 09:30 AM |
| Sunday, December 14 | 5th T20I | Bhutan vs Bahrain | Gelephu International Cricket Ground | 09:30 AM |
The gaps between match days will allow teams to rest, train, and adjust strategies based on the conditions at Gelephu.
Probable Squads for the 2025 T20I Series
Official squads have not yet been announced, but based on recent performances and player availability, here are the most likely candidates to feature in this series.
🇧🇹 Bhutan Probable Squad
- Gakul Ghalley
- Sherab Loday
- Tenjin Rabgey
- Thinley Jamtsho
- Jigme Singye
- Namgay Thinley
- Ranjung Dorji
- Suprit Pradhan
- Sonam Chophel
- Tshering Tashi
- Dawa Dawa
- Karma Dorji
- Sonam Yeshey
- Tenzin Wangchuk
Bhutan’s probable squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents. Players like Gakul Ghalley and Sherab Loday will be crucial in providing stability, while youngsters such as Suprit Pradhan offer attacking flair suited for T20 cricket.
🇧🇭 Bahrain Probable Squad
- Asif Gill
- Fiaz Ahmed
- Junaid Aziz
- Muhammed Basil
- Sohail Ahmed
- Asif Ali
- Imran Anwar
- Ahmer Bin Nasir
- Prashant Kurup
- Abdul Majid
- Ali Dawood
- Asif Javed Basher Ahmed
- Asif Shaikh
- Imran Khan
- Muhammad Salman
- Naveen Thailappan
- Naveena Shetty
- Rizwan Butt
Bahrain’s lineup is packed with power hitters and experienced bowlers. Their depth and all-round strength give them a slight edge heading into the tournament, especially after strong showings in recent ICC regional qualifiers.
Head-to-Head in T20 Internationals
Bhutan and Bahrain have met only once in T20I cricket so far. Their previous encounter came during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B (2024/25), where Bahrain delivered a dominant performance, winning by 90 runs.
While Bahrain enters the series as the more experienced side, Bhutan will benefit from home conditions and crowd support. The unfamiliarity between the two teams adds an element of unpredictability, making this series even more intriguing.
Final Thoughts
The Bahrain Tour of Bhutan 2025 is more than just a series—it’s a milestone for two nations striving to establish themselves more firmly in international cricket. With rankings at stake, fresh talent on display, and the charm of Associate cricket on full show, fans can expect five days of competitive and spirited T20 action.
Cricket lovers across Asia and beyond will be watching closely as these two rising teams create history together on the field.
