Bhutan Makes Cricketing History with First-Ever Home Series Against Bahrain

Bhutan will host Bahrain this December for a five-match Men’s T20 International bilateral series, set to take place from 8th to 14th December 2025 at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground. This tour carries special significance, as it will be the first time Bahrain plays on Bhutanese soil, adding historic weight to an already exciting fixture.

In the global ICC T20I rankings, Bahrain stands around 26th, while Bhutan sits closer to 77th, but rankings alone rarely tell the full story—especially when a team is playing at home. The two sides have met before, most memorably during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B 2024 in Doha, where Bahrain claimed victory. This time, however, the conditions, altitude, crowd, and energy shift decisively in Bhutan’s favour.

The Bhutan camp looks confident. Head Coach Kumar Subba believes his squad’s growing experience will matter greatly over the week-long series.

He noted that Bhutan has several players who have handled international pressure before and even delivered match-winning strikes. Subba added that playing at home brings an important psychological edge: “Beating a host nation is never easy,” he said, pointing out that the team has prepared well, trained hard, and carries no major injuries going into the series. His message was clear—Bhutan is ready to compete.

Captain Thinley Jamtsho echoed his coach’s optimism. Speaking calmly but with unmistakable pride, he said how meaningful it is to play a major tournament on home ground: “This is something special for all of us.”

He acknowledged Bahrain’s strength but pointed to the intensity he has seen among his players: “The hunger, the synergy, the frequency of effort we see both in the dressing room and during training is huge. We know these five matches will be tough for Bahrain too. Taking points from the host nation won’t be easy.”

On the Bahrain side, the mood is positive and respectful. The squad arrived in Thimphu earlier today before heading to Gelephu, and captain Ahmer Bin Nasir spoke with a sense of enthusiasm:

“We’re excited to be here. Bhutan is a beautiful place, and it’s a new cricketing environment for us. The team is motivated and looking forward to producing good cricket. We respect Bhutan—they are improving and they play with heart.”

Bahrain Head Coach Prabhakhar Baigond described the tour as part of a continuous cycle of development, coming off tournaments in Indo-Asia and Malaysia. For him, Bhutan offers exactly the kind of exposure the team needs: “Every field teaches you something different.

Playing here will be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. T20 cricket is about being in the moment, staying sharp, and adapting quickly.”

Team Manager Adil Ahmed added that tours like this are crucial for player maturity: “The boys are working hard, and Bhutan provides a unique atmosphere—new climate, new conditions, new challenges. These experiences shape better cricketers.”

We’ve trained hard, we know our strengths, and we are ready to give our best on home ground. Every match is a chance to show what Bhutan cricket can do. The boys are motivated, the energy is high, and we will fight for every run and every wicket.

Thinley Jatmsho, Captain

With both teams grounded, focused, and eager, the stage is set for a competitive and meaningful series. Bhutan enters with home pride and rising confidence; Bahrain arrives with experience and momentum. And as the two teams take the field in Gelephu, fans from both nations will be watching to see which story unfolds—Bhutan’s breakthrough on home soil or Bahrain’s continued mastery over a familiar opponent.

Either way, cricket in Bhutan is about to experience one of its biggest weeks yet.