The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to reach out to the Government of India for guidance regarding the Indian cricket team’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh. The cricketing relationship between the two nations has been strained in recent months due to various issues.
A senior source from the BCCI shared that the board needs to consult with the government before making any decisions about the tour. “We are currently working on the arrangements for the Bangladesh tour and will seek permission from the government. No decisions have been finalized yet, but we plan to approach them soon,” the source stated.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also been in talks with the BCCI regarding the series. “The BCB has been in regular communication with us. We expect to have more clarity soon,” the source added.
The BCB has scheduled a window from August 29 to September 15 for a white-ball series against India, which will include three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODIs are set for September 1, 3, and 6, followed by T20 matches on September 9, 12, and 13. The Indian team is anticipated to reach Bangladesh on August 28.
However, this planned tour awaits approval and direction from the Indian government.
The situation remains uncertain due to recent downturns in cricket relations between India and Bangladesh. Tensions began earlier this year when the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. Mustafizur was the only player from Bangladesh to be chosen during the IPL auction, and this decision sparked a significant backlash in Bangladesh. Shortly after, the BCB announced that their national team would not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing safety concerns based on advice from their government. The BCB also requested the International Cricket Council to relocate Bangladesh’s matches out of India.
Following this incident, the Bangladesh government suspended all IPL broadcasts and promotions in the country indefinitely.
Initially, India was scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August 2025 for a similar series of ODIs and T20s, but that series was postponed to September 2026. While official reasons for the delay involved international commitments and scheduling issues, it came amid rising diplomatic strains.
The upcoming series is seen as a crucial opportunity to mend cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh. The BCB has actively advocated for the tour to proceed, hoping it will help restore good ties through sports diplomacy after a challenging year.
