Bangladesh turn up, China don't as friendly cancelled

Bangladesh women's cricket team were scheduled to play a friendly against China on Saturday at the latter's request, but the match was called off after the Chinese team failed to turn up at the venue.

According to team manager S M Golam Faiyaz, Bangladesh arrived at the ground in the morning and waited for China before eventually using the time for a training session ahead of Sunday's semifinal against India.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

“We went to the field early in the morning and waited for them. But as they didn't show up, we completed our training session and later returned to the hotel,” Faiyaz told The Daily Star.

Faiyaz said he also informed Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) vice-president Major Imroze Ahmed (Retd), who is serving as Chef de Mission of the Bangladesh contingent at the 2026 Asian Games, about the incident in accordance with protocol.

Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield, with the higher-ranked side progressing.

They will face India in the semifinal on Sunday. India booked their place in the last four on Friday with an eight-wicket win over hosts Japan. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest the other semifinal on Sunday.