The first unofficial ODI match was abandoned after 30 overs, after Ruhan Pretorius tested positive for COVID-19.[5] Ahead of the second ODI, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that the match would take place, after all players returned a negative test.[6] Pretorius' test was later found to be a false positive, with him returning to the squad for the second match.[7]
Originally, George Dockrell was set to captain the Ireland Wolves in the unofficial Test, and Harry Tector would lead the side in the limited overs matches.[10] However, the day before the squad departed for Bangladesh, it was announced that Dockrell had opted out of the tour.[9] The same day, Ruhan Pretorius was added to the squad and Tector was confirmed as captain.[11]