Bangladesh's first three-Test series in six years has been confirmed, with the BCB saying that its Test squad, as well as the high-performance side, are going to leave for Colombo on September 23 or 24. The board has also said that it will bear the expenses of the two travelling squads for the first three weeks of the tour, leading in to the first Test starting October 24.

Akram Khan, the BCB cricket operations chairman, confirmed that the tour would include three Tests, which could all take place in Colombo. The board has also proposed a three-match T20I series, but it is unlikely to be held. "It is exciting to play three Tests but it will also be a difficult time as they [the players] haven't played in last five or six months," Khan told ESPNcricinfo. "They will also have to go through a lot of testing [for the coronavirus]. We are hopeful that it all goes well and according to plan.

"We will bear the costs of the first three weeks of the tour, including the High Performance side, which was also scheduled a tour to Sri Lanka in July. Now both teams will travel together and play matches during the initial period."

The tour could also mark Shakib Al Hasan's return to the Bangladesh side as his suspension is set to end on October 29.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka Cricket announced the postponement of the Lanka Premier League until mid-November on account of the mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving on the island, which would lengthen the competition.

As for the bilateral series, SLC chief de Silva had said the boards were still undecided on the tour schedule and the fate of the T20Is. "It is more or less [finalised]," de Silva told the Dhaka-based TV channel Maasranga. "We are actually negotiating. They [BCB] want to play three T20Is and three Tests.

"So we are actually negotiating with them to reduce one Test and then play the T20Is. We will be able to confirm it within a day or two."

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