Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to approach the Indian government for clearance to tour Bangladesh for a six-match white-ball series, according to reports. The proposed tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, with the matches scheduled between August 29 and September 15.
Series was originally scheduled for August 2025 before the BCCI and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed to defer it to September 2026. Recent developments have renewed hopes of the tour going ahead, but the BCCI is expected to seek government approval before finalizing the upcoming tour.
BCCI to Seek Government Approval for Bangladesh White-Ball Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains in talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the proposed white-ball series. According to Times Now, the BCCI will approach the Indian government for approval before making a final decision on the six-match tour.
"We are working on it and will seek permission and clarity as far as the Bangladesh tour is concerned. We can’t take any decision on our own at this stage. No decision has been taken yet, but we will soon approach the government," said a BCCI source.
The BCB has kept a window from August 29 to September 15 for the series. BCB president Tamim Iqbal is also working to keep the tour on track. His recent visit to India, which included a visit to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, revived hopes of the series going ahead.
Improving India-Bangladesh Relations Renew Hopes for Series
Cricket ties between India and Bangladesh suffered during the political turmoil under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The situation worsened after Bangladesh refused to send its team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns.
Relations have shown signs of improvement under Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens, while India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, has been given Cabinet rank.
India has also invited Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in September. Hoever, the tour still depends on the Indian government's approval. Both cricket boards remain in contact as they wait for clarity from the Indian government.
Bangladesh Series Faces Time Crunch as Afghanistan Option Emerges
The BCB has reserved August 29 to September 15 for India's proposed tour. Under the original plan, the Indian team was expected to leave for Dhaka on August 28. With the departure date approaching, the BCCI and BCB face a tight window to finalise the tour and complete the required arrangements.
If the Bangladesh tour does not receive government approval, India are expected to host Afghanistan for a three-match limited-overs series in New Delhi during the same window. If the Bangladesh tour goes ahead, the Afghanistan series will be postponed.
India last toured Bangladesh in 2022, when the hosts won the ODI series 2-1 before India secured a 2-0 Test series sweep. Before the proposed Bangladesh tour, India are scheduled to prepare for a Test series in Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh will travel to Australia for a two-match Test series.
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