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Published : 01 Jul 2025, 02:17 AM
India’s scheduled cricket tour of Bangladesh in August has been thrown into uncertainty, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) saying the visit hinges on clearance from the Indian government.
Although the full itinerary for the series was announced more than two months ago, BCB President Aminul Islam said on Monday that India’s participation is yet to be confirmed.
According to the schedule, India are due to arrive in Dhaka on Aug 13 for a six-match bilateral series, three ODIs and three T20s, under the ICC Future Tours Programme. The first ODI is slated for Aug 17 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Following a six-hour board meeting at the BCB headquarters, Aminul acknowledged that the series was discussed in detail but stopped short of confirming the tour.
“Our discussions with the BCCI have been positive. Hopefully, we’ll be able to confirm the situation soon,” Aminul said during a post-meeting press conference.
Asked whether India’s hesitation stemmed from the changed political situation in Bangladesh following last year’s mass uprising, Aminul avoided a direct answer but admitted there was some uncertainty.
“There’s no specific issue with August or September. Talks are ongoing to make the series happen. If, for any reason, they can’t come in August, the series could move to the next available window.”
He repeatedly stressed that the BCB remains committed to hosting the series in August.
“They (BCCI) have not proposed rescheduling. We’ve kept the window open and are doing our best to make it happen then. I can’t say more at this moment. But they’re very professional and cooperative.”
India has long refrained from touring Pakistan due to geopolitical tensions, despite playing them in neutral venues during global and Asian tournaments. The BCCI has consistently said any bilateral tour depends on Indian government approval.
That same approval process now applies to the Bangladesh tour, Aminul revealed.
“The August tour was scheduled. But they have some concerns over teams other than their national side. Their main team is currently in England.
“They are awaiting government clearance.”
“Their U-23 side was due to tour Sri Lanka, but that too has been postponed. However, based on our level of engagement, we remain optimistic.”
