The second Test between Bangladesh and Ireland in Mirpur turned dramatic on Friday when a strong earthquake shook the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, forcing an unexpected halt in the match. The tremors, felt across Dhaka and nearby regions, lasted only a few seconds but created immediate panic among players and spectators.
The incident occurred during Ireland’s second innings when they were 165/5 after 55 overs. As soon as the ground began to shake, players looked confused for a moment before quickly moving away from the pitch.
Players Leave Dressing Room in Fear
The most frightening moment came when players sitting inside the dressing room rushed out in fear. Some ran toward the boundary line, trying to get into the open ground for safety, while a few spectators were also seen leaving their seats and moving toward the exits.
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near Bangladesh’s capital on Friday morning, briefly halting the Bangladesh-Ireland cricket match at Sher E Bangla National Stadium. #BanVire
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) November 21, 2025
pic.twitter.com/apOiMCzuMV
Umpires stopped the play instantly as tremors intensified. Fortunately, within 30 seconds, the shaking settled down and no injuries or damage were reported.
Cricket Ireland confirmed the incident on social media, writing:
“Mild tremors/earthquake here — play stopped temporarily but all players are safe.”
Bangladesh Meteorological Department Confirms 5.7 Magnitude Quake
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department later confirmed that the earthquake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale, and tremors were felt in several parts of the country.
This is not the first time cricket has been affected by an earthquake. In the 2022 U-19 World Cup, a 5.2-magnitude quake shook Trinidad during a Zimbabwe vs Ireland match. However, play was not stopped on that occasion.
Once safety checks were completed, play resumed in Mirpur. Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam, who has been in excellent form, continued to trouble the Irish batters.
Earlier, Bangladesh dominated the match with a massive first-innings score of 476, led by stunning centuries from Liton Das (128) and Mushfiqur Rahim (106). Mominul Haque also added a steady 63 runs, helping the hosts take full control.
Also see: Mushfiqur Rahim Creates History in 100th Test
Ireland’s batting struggled in both innings and found themselves in deep trouble, unable to cross the 300-run mark as Bangladesh’s bowlers kept picking regular wickets.
Cricket matches being stopped due to weather is common—but being halted due to an earthquake is extremely rare. The brief moment of fear in Mirpur reminded everyone that sometimes, even the biggest sporting events bow down to nature.
