India’s scheduled white-ball tour of Bangladesh has been plunged into deep uncertainty following reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prioritising a home series against Afghanistan during the same timeframe. According to cricket news outlet Cricbuzz, the BCCI is currently reluctant to proceed with the Dhaka leg and prefers hosting Afghanistan for a short Twenty20 International series instead.
Under the original itinerary, the Indian national squad was slated to arrive in Bangladesh on 28 August to compete in a six-match limited-overs tour, comprising three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, scheduled to run from 1 to 13 September.
However, arrangements have hit a snag as India agreed to host Afghanistan for three T20Is in New Delhi on 13, 15, and 17 September. With under three weeks remaining before the team’s expected departure for Dhaka, the sudden scheduling overlap raises serious doubts over whether the Indian side will undertake the tour at all.
Addressing the situation, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, confirmed that diplomatic channels remain active to resolve the matter. Speaking at a public event in Dhaka, he stated that foreign ministers from both nations are in direct discussions regarding the proposed tour.
Should the series be cancelled or postponed, it would mark a significant disruption in bilateral cricket relations between the two neighbours. India last toured Bangladesh in 2022 for a full multi-format series. During that tour, Bangladesh secured a memorable 2-1 victory in the three-match ODI series, driven by outstanding performances from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. India subsequently bounced back to claim the two-match Test series 2-0.
Cricket administrators from both boards continue discussions as fans await official clarification regarding the fate of the white-ball fixtures.
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