India Government blocks Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma from playing Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam has broken his silence on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in August. Aminul confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided official confirmation regarding the upcoming tour.

It is notable that Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were due to play international cricket in the series. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have announced their retirements from the Tests and T20I formats.

Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma only play ODIs for India

In such a scenario, ODI cricket is the only format that is left to play for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as far as international cricket is concerned. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which the Men in Blue went on to win.

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their T20I retirements after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Virat Kohli followed Rohit Sharma in announcing their Test retirements right before India's tour of England in 2025.

Hence, the Bangladesh tour would have served as a comeback for the legends. Now that the Government has not planned on sending the Men in Blue to their neighbors, the international comeback of both legends looks distant.

Earlier, in April, the BCB had released the schedule for India’s tour, including three ODI matches followed by three T20Is in August. However, the tour remains uncertain as the BCCI has yet to give final approval. The BCCI is expected to make a decision only after consulting with the Indian government.

We're Having Positive Discussions with the BCCI - BCB President on India-Bangladesh Series

BCB president Aminul Islam remains optimistic about the series against India, even if the tour doesn’t take place in August as originally planned. Aminul confirmed that discussions with the BCCI are ongoing and positive. He emphasized that both boards are also exploring alternative windows.

"We're having positive discussions with the BCCI," Aminul told the media following the 19th board meeting held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday (June 30).

"It's not like (hosting India) in August or September, we are having discussions how we can do the series and if we cannot host it now we will do it at another possible time. They (BCCI) are waiting for some government clearance," he added.

India Are Scheduled to Tour Bangladesh from August 17 to 31

India are scheduled to tour Bangladesh from August 17 to 31 for three ODIs, followed by three T20Is. The matches are set to be played in Mirpur and Chattogram. If India decides not to travel, it could postpone the international return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India haven’t won an ODI series in Bangladesh since 2014. Meanwhile, the T20I series will be India’s first-ever bilateral T20I series on Bangladeshi soil. The reigning T20 World Cup champions last played Bangladesh in a T20I series in 2024, winning it 3-0 at home.

We've Nearly Finalised the Agreement with Simon Taufel - BCB President

The BCB has brought in former ICC elite panel umpire Simon Taufel to oversee umpire education in the country. Taufel has been signed on a three-year contract, and the agreement is nearly finalized. Taufel and his team will work to enhance the standards of umpiring in Bangladesh.

The BCB is also set to appoint a woman selector for the national women’s team. Sazzad Ahmed is currently the only selector for the women’s side. Aminul confirmed that the board has decided to add a female selector soon.

"We've nearly finalized the agreement with Simon, and he, along with his team, will work to educate our umpires," Aminul said.

"We have decided to include women selectors for the national women's team soon. We are also looking to add another selector in the national selection panel as it is difficult for two selectors to cover everything," he added.

Also read: ICC set to start ‘Serious Injury’ replacements trial in domestic first-class cricket from October