IND vs BAN: BCCI yet to take a final call on India tour of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam recently revealed that India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in August is still awaiting official confirmation. Speaking to the media, Islam clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet given the green signal for the tour, as it is subject to approval from the Indian government. He explained that while the BCB is keen on hosting India for the much-anticipated series, the final decision lies with the Indian board and the concerned authorities. Islam stated that the BCCI had informed them of its intention to consult with the Indian government before committing to any overseas engagement, including the Bangladesh tour.

What is the latest update on India tour of Bangladesh?

The series, if confirmed, would be a significant part of Bangladesh’s cricketing calendar, offering fans an opportunity to witness top-tier action and strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations. However, until the BCCI communicates its decision, the series remains in limbo. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that if India does not tour Bangladesh in August as originally planned, they will consider scheduling the tour during the next available window. However, the communication lacked clarity, and no specific reason has been given to explain the uncertainty surrounding the proposed visit.

This has left the BCB in a state of limbo, as they had begun preparations in anticipation of hosting the Indian team. The absence of a concrete explanation has also led to growing speculation and concern among fans and stakeholders, who were looking forward to the high-profile bilateral series. The BCB has expressed its hope that the tour can still go ahead as planned, but they acknowledge that the final decision now lies entirely with the Indian board and relevant authorities.

The tour, had it gone ahead in August, would have played a significant role in maintaining competitive engagement and bilateral relations between the two cricket boards. For now, the BCB remains on standby, awaiting further communication from the BCCI. The lack of transparency has certainly raised questions about the planning and coordination involved in organizing such important international fixtures.

"I have already spoken to the BCCI. Discussions have been positive. We remain hopeful. It is scheduled [next month] but they are waiting for some decisions from the government," Islam said at a press conference in Dhaka after a six-hour meeting of the BCB’s board of directors.

"The discussions are ongoing. If for some reason they can't come [in August], they will come at the next available window. We are hopeful of playing in this window. I can't say much apart from the fact that they are very professional and cooperative," he added.

Back in April, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had officially unveiled the schedule for India’s tour of Bangladesh, which was set to take place in August 2025. The series was to feature a total of six white-ball matches—three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). According to the announced itinerary, the ODIs were scheduled for August 17, 20, and 23, followed by the T20Is on August 26, 29, and 31. The fixtures were planned to be held across two prominent venues—Mirpur and Chattogram.

This highly anticipated tour carries special significance for several reasons. It marks India’s first-ever bilateral T20I series on Bangladeshi soil, adding a historic dimension to the cricketing ties between the two nations. Additionally, this will be India’s first white-ball-only bilateral tour to Bangladesh since 2014, when they last travelled to play a three-match ODI series.

The timing of the tour is particularly important in the context of India’s cricketing calendar, as it was expected to serve as the final leg of preparation for the 2025 T20 Asia Cup. India is set to host the continental tournament, which is most likely to be staged in September. Hence, the August series in Bangladesh was being viewed as a crucial warm-up opportunity for the Men in Blue to finalize their combinations and assess form and fitness ahead of the Asia Cup.