BCCI to seek Centre’s approval for proposed Bangladesh tour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to approach the Government of India to seek permission and clarification regarding the Indian team‘s proposed tour of Bangladesh. This move comes as cricketing relations between the two nations continue to be affected by recent events.
A senior BCCI source indicated that the board cannot independently decide on the tour at this stage and will require guidance from the government. The source stated that while no decision has been made yet, the board will soon engage with the government on the matter.
Discussions surrounding the proposed tour have been described as positive and are reportedly taking place at a high level. A source tracking these developments suggested that there is a good chance the series will proceed, noting that cricket could help normalise relations between the two countries. The final decision is expected to come from the highest government levels.
Proposed Tour Details and Communication
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already communicated with the BCCI regarding the proposed series, and both boards are in continuous contact. The BCB has set aside a window from August 29 to September 15 for a white-ball series against India.
The revised itinerary for this series includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The ODIs are tentatively scheduled for September 1, September 3, and September 6. Following these, the T20Is are planned for September 9, September 12, and September 13. The Indian team is anticipated to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28.
However, the tour’s progression remains contingent on receiving guidance and clearance from the Government of India. This proposed series was previously scheduled for August 2025 but was postponed to September 2026, with both boards citing international commitments and scheduling convenience, although the deferral occurred amidst broader diplomatic tensions.
Recent Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
The current uncertainty surrounding the tour is set against a backdrop of strained cricketing relations earlier in the year. A significant point of contention arose in January when the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Rahman had been acquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction in December 2025, being the sole Bangladeshi player selected that year.
The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, stated that the decision to direct KKR to release Rahman was made due to “recent developments” between the two countries. This action provoked a strong reaction in Bangladesh. Subsequently, the BCB decided that its national team would not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns and advice from the Bangladesh government. The BCB also requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches outside of India.
The repercussions extended beyond international cricket, as the Bangladesh government ordered an indefinite suspension of the broadcast and promotion of the IPL within the country following the controversy involving Mustafizur. The BCB has actively pursued the tour and maintained communication with the BCCI, hoping the series can proceed and help restore normal cricketing ties. Bangladesh has also explored using sports diplomacy to alleviate some of the tensions that have emerged over the past year.
Reports suggest that the governments of both countries are engaged in discussions to facilitate the series. While relations between India and Bangladesh have historically been cordial, they reportedly shifted under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s departure. Cricket was also impacted during this period.
Under the new Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, there have been indications of improving relations, including India resuming the issuance of tourist visas to Bangladeshi nationals. The appointment of Dinesh Trivedi as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh with a Cabinet rank also signals diplomatic engagement. Despite a recent press conference held by ousted Hasina in New Delhi, reports suggest this event will not affect India’s tour of Bangladesh, should it occur. Additionally, the newly-elected BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, recently visited the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bangalore.
Source: indiatoday.in
