India-Bangladesh cricket tour in September gains hope amid improving ties
Hopes are rising for India‘s white-ball cricket tour of Bangladesh to proceed in September, as diplomatic relations between the two nations show signs of improvement. The tour, which was postponed last year, could involve three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals.
Both the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are reportedly working on an itinerary for the tour. This development follows a period of uncertainty in the relationship between the two cricket boards.
Scheduling and Venues
To accommodate the tour, the BCCI is understood to be considering pushing back a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. This series, which was scheduled to begin on September 13, was to be hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board in Delhi.
The BCB has reportedly kept its venues free from September 1 and has proposed several combinations for the BCCI to consider. Discussions between the two boards took place during a recent ICC meeting in London. A BCCI source indicated that the BCB is open to holding all matches at a single venue, with a preference for three T20Is at one location and three ODIs at another. Dhaka and Chattogram are considered leading venues for these matches.
The potential tour is contingent on approval from the Indian government. The boards aim to have all preparations in place once this approval is granted. The Indian Test tour of Sri Lanka is set to conclude on August 27, which could create a two-week window in September if the Afghanistan series is rescheduled.
Diplomatic Context and Cricket Relations
The original postponement of the tour was attributed to diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. These tensions reportedly escalated following political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024, impacting cricketing affairs.
One notable incident involved Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. After his selection by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL mini-auction, protests in parts of India led to the franchise releasing him from its squad. This event reportedly triggered 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.
Relations have reportedly 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 series is seen as a significant test for the new BCB administration, especially with Bangladesh scheduled to host the 2027 Asia Cup and the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup.
Improved diplomatic ties between the two countries are believed to have increased the likelihood of the September tour. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reportedly been invited to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which is viewed as a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations. India’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has also expressed optimism regarding India‘s visit. The Asian Games, where India is expected to field a full-strength squad, are scheduled to begin on September 24.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
