Former opening batter Tamim Iqbal shared an important update on the bilateral series between India and Bangladesh, scheduled for August-September 2026. Tamim expressed optimism about Bangladesh hosting India later this year as both cricket boards continue efforts to improve relations after recent disputes.
Cricket ties between the two countries have faced tension over the past year, including cancelled white-ball tours and Bangladesh's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite the ongoing off-field issues, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced the bilateral series schedule earlier this month.
There Is a Scheduled Series Against India - Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal expressed hope about the upcoming bilateral series against India later this year. He said that the rivalry remains extremely popular in Bangladesh and added that matches between the two teams are always highly competitive.
“There is a scheduled series against India later this year. I am very hopeful that India will come and play the whole series. This is one bilateral series that the people of Bangladesh really enjoy watching," Iqbal told TOI.
“They come to the ground and there is healthy competition. Bangladesh did really well in the last series against India. Whenever these two nations play, especially when India travel to Bangladesh, it is always very high-intensity cricket.”
Regardless of Anything Else, Cricket Should Always Win - Tamim Iqbal
The former Bangladesh captain admitted that challenges still exist between the two cricket boards. However, he expressed confidence that the newly formed ad hoc committee will work through discussions and ensure the bilateral series takes place.
“I am very hopeful. Issues will always be there and it is the responsibility of the cricket boards to solve them. We have a new cricket board now, an ad hoc committee has been placed, and I am sure communication and dialogue will happen," Tamim Iqbal said.
"At the end of the day, cricket should win. Regardless of anything else, cricket should always win and that is what I am going to work towards.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed its participation in the proposed tour. The schedule announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board includes three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026 after the originally planned white-ball tour in 2025 was cancelled.
I Am Very Hopeful That India Will Travel to Bangladesh - Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal stated that cricket relations between India and Bangladesh can be solved. He remained optimistic about the proposed September tour and said both boards can resolve issues through discussions if needed.
“I do not think India and Bangladesh cricketing relations have any issues. If there are any, we can always discuss and solve them. I am very hopeful that India will travel to Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, the BCCI are currently focused on other assignments, including the India A and India Under-19 tours of Sri Lanka scheduled for June and July.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the proposed bilateral series because of the events of the past year. The Indian board has not yet provided a clear response regarding the September fixtures announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
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