India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in September gains momentum amid improved diplomatic ties
Cricket Boards Work Towards September Window
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are reportedly working to schedule India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in the first half of September. This development could signal an improvement in the relationship between the two cricket boards following a period of uncertainty.
To accommodate the tour, the BCCI is understood to be considering pushing back a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which was planned to be held in Delhi. The final approval for the series will depend on the Indian government’s nod, but both boards aim to have preparations complete in anticipation of this clearance.
Last year, India did not tour Bangladesh due to diplomatic tensions. This was followed by Bangladesh withdrawing from the T20 World Cup in India after Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL in January.
Diplomatic Relations and Cricket
The proposed tour of Bangladesh by India, which was initially postponed last year, now appears more likely to proceed in September. This increased likelihood is attributed to improving diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The original tour, scheduled for August 2025, was deferred by a year by the BCCI due to the prevailing political situation. The uncertainty surrounding the series was linked to strained bilateral relations following political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024, which also affected cricketing matters.
A significant point of contention was the selection of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL mini-auction. Amid protests in parts of India regarding his participation, the franchise eventually released him from its squad. This incident led to strong reactions in Bangladesh, with some calls to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Bangladesh subsequently withdrew from the tournament, further straining ties between the cricket boards.
However, relations appear to have improved since Tamim Iqbal assumed the presidency of the BCB. Following his appointment, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla publicly congratulated Tamim. Tamim has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with cricket boards globally.
The proposed India series is seen as an important test for the new BCB administration, especially with Bangladesh set to host the 2027 Asia Cup and the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup. Improved diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh are reported to have significantly increased the chances of the September tour taking place as scheduled. Reports also suggest that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which is viewed as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations. Since the initial postponement was based on government advice, improved diplomatic ties could pave the way for the tour.
Logistics and Potential Rescheduling
The BCB has reportedly kept all its venues free from September 1, proposing several combinations for the BCCI to choose from. India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka is set to conclude on August 27. If the series against Afghanistan is indeed pushed back, this could create a two-week window in September for the Bangladesh tour.
The Afghanistan series, to be hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, was originally scheduled to begin on September 13. A BCCI source indicated that the BCB is agreeable to holding all matches at a single venue. They ideally prefer three T20Is at one venue and three ODIs in another, with Dhaka and Chattogram being the primary venues. Playing just one format was also considered as a possibility.
Discussions between the two boards took place during a recent ICC meeting in London. India’s commitment to Afghanistan was a topic of discussion, but the tour remains contingent on government approval. The BCCI had previously informed selectors about the Afghanistan series, but an official announcement regarding Afghanistan hosting India in Delhi was delayed. Preparations for that series are now understood to have been pushed back.
The window for any scheduling adjustments is limited, as the Asian Games are set to begin on September 24, where India is expected to field a full-strength squad. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has also expressed optimism regarding India’s visit.
In May, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that the BCCI has decided to move past previous issues and aims to build healthy relationships with other member boards.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
