India’s cricket team is supposed to visit Bangladesh in August for an ODI and T20 series, but with just over a month to go, it’s still unclear if the tour will happen. On Monday, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet confirmed their participation.
India is slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh starting 17 August, with matches planned in Mirpur and Chattogram.
Despite the schedule, the BCB is waiting for BCCI’s final approval, and there’s a chance the tour could be called off.
“I’ve spoken with the BCCI already, and the talks have been positive,” Aminul said. “We’re hopeful it will go ahead next month, but they’re awaiting government decisions.”
He also mentioned that if India can’t travel in August, the BCCI has discussed rescheduling for a future window. However, he did not share any specific reasons why the series might be canceled.
“Discussions are ongoing. If they can’t come in August, they will try in the next available window. We’re still hoping to play as planned. I can only say they’ve been very professional and cooperative,” he added.
Possible Cancellation Over Political Tension
Reports suggest the BCCI may drop the tour because of strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh. Tensions escalated after a retired Bangladeshi army officer made controversial remarks about India’s Northeast.
Following a terror attack in Phalagam, Maj Gen (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman of Bangladesh posted on Facebook warning India against attacking Pakistan, suggesting that Bangladesh should seize the seven Northeastern states in retaliation.
This sparked speculation that India’s board might scrap the series. A source told the Times of India there’s a “strong chance” the tour may not happen because of the situation.
