New Delhi, July 26: India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which was postponed last year due to political tensions, appears increasingly likely to go ahead in September as diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries show signs of improvement.
India are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals during the tour, originally planned for August 2025 before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deferred it by a year, citing the prevailing political situation.
The uncertainty surrounding the series stemmed from strained bilateral relations following the political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024, which also spilled over into cricketing affairs.
Among the major flashpoints was Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s selection by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL mini-auction. Amid protests in parts of India opposing his participation, the franchise eventually released the left-arm seamer from its squad. The episode triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, with calls from some quarters to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Bangladesh eventually withdrew from the tournament, further straining ties between the two cricket boards.
However, relations appear to have improved since former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal assumed the presidency of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Soon after his appointment, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla publicly congratulated Tamim, who also shares a long-standing association with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas from their days together at Pune Warriors India in the Indian Premier League.
Tamim has consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relationships with cricket boards worldwide, a stance he has reiterated since taking office.
The proposed India series is viewed as an important test for the new BCB administration, particularly with Bangladesh set to host the 2027 Asia Cup and the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup.According to reports, improving diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have significantly increased the likelihood of the September tour proceeding as scheduled. Reports also suggest that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a move seen as another positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations. Since the original postponement was based on government advice, improved diplomatic ties could clear the way for the tour.
India’s busy international calendar had briefly raised fresh doubts over the series after reports emerged of a proposed three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in September.
However, it is understood that those fixtures could be rescheduled if the Bangladesh tour receives the final clearance.
The window for any adjustments remains limited, with the Asian Games beginning on September 24, where India are expected to field a full-strength squad.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has also expressed optimism over India’s visit. (Agencies)
