BCCI to seek government approval for proposed Bangladesh tour
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to approach the Government of India for permission regarding the Indian team‘s proposed tour of Bangladesh. This move comes as cricketing relations between the two nations have faced challenges.
A BCCI source indicated that the board cannot independently decide on the tour at this stage and will seek guidance from the government. The source confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has communicated with the BCCI, and both boards are in ongoing discussions about the series.
Proposed Tour Details and Background
The BCB has allocated a window from August 29 to September 15 for a white-ball series against India. The revised schedule includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The ODIs are planned for September 1, September 3, and September 6, followed by T20Is on September 9, September 12, and September 13. The Indian team is anticipated to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28.
However, the tour’s progression is contingent on clearance and guidance from the Government of India. The current uncertainty follows a period of strained cricketing relations earlier in the year.
A significant event occurred in January when the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Mustafizur had been acquired by KKR for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL auction in December 2025 and was the only Bangladeshi player selected in that year’s auction. The BCCI subsequently directed KKR to release him.
This development led to a strong reaction in Bangladesh. The BCB later decided that its national team would not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and advice from the Bangladesh government. The board also requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches from India.
The repercussions extended beyond international cricket, with the Bangladesh government ordering an indefinite suspension of the broadcast and promotion of the IPL within the country following the Mustafizur controversy.
Efforts Towards Normalisation
India was initially scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August 2025 for three ODIs and three T20Is. However, this series was postponed to September 2026. Both the BCCI and BCB officially attributed the deferment to international commitments and scheduling convenience, though it occurred amidst broader diplomatic tensions.
The rescheduled series is therefore seen as an important opportunity for the cricketing relationship between the two nations. The BCB has continued to advocate for the tour and has maintained communication with the BCCI, hoping the series proceeds to 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 discussions regarding India’s proposed tour are progressing positively and are being held at a high level. A source tracking the developments indicated a good chance of the series taking place, noting that cricket could be a tool to normalise relations, with a positive approach from both sides. The final decision is expected to be made at the highest government level.
Recently, the newly-elected BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, visited the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bangalore. This visit occurred a few days prior to a press conference held by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, marking the second anniversary of the uprising that led to her government’s removal. The Bangladesh government expressed outrage over her engagement with the media in New Delhi.
Despite these political developments, reports suggest that Hasina’s press conference will not impact India’s tour of Bangladesh, should it proceed.
Source: indiatoday.in
