BCB hopeful of hosting India despite earlier uncertainty

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said on Wednesday that they are confident of hosting the white-ball series against India, scheduled in August- September 2026.

Cricketlineguruji had earlier reported on July 1 that the BCB had put the television and digital media rights for the series, which had been under a cloud, up for sale

BCB had earlier announced that they will host India for three-match ODI and T20I series in August-September 2026.

BCB insisted that the series, which was scheduled to be played earlier and was postponed later between Bangladesh and India, had been rescheduled in August-September 2026.

While there had been speculation over whether the series would go ahead, the BCB's decision to invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) for its 2026 and 2027 home internationals, with a specific mention of India's 2026 tour, strongly suggests those doubts are beginning to fade.

"We are confident about hosting India as per schedule. We have floated the EOI for media rights for the next few home series' including India's tour, and hoping for a good response from prospective bidders. Everyone is well aware about the benefits of playing a white ball series against a top side like India and the signs are positive," Asif Rabbani, BCB media committee chairman told Cricketlineguruji on Wednesday.

When contacted by Cricketlineguruji recently, BCCI officials remained non-committal regarding the tour.

According to the tour itinerary announced by BCB, the Indian team is scheduled to arrive on August 28 with the ODI games to be played on September 1, 3 and 6. The T20Is will be played on September 9, 12 and 13 before the neighbours return home.

The scheduled tour was postponed earlier due to the diplomatic tension between the two countries as their relationship strained following the student movement in July 2024 that ousted the previous Awami League government in Bangladesh.

The Yunus led government did not allow the Bangladesh team play in the last edition of ICC T20 World Cup citing security reasons though many suggest inside the cricketing circle that the move was more political than anything else.

Following the recent general election in Bangladesh, which paved the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to form the government after winning a majority of seats, all eyes are on them to resolve the recent issues with India, especially after the forgoing the ICC T20 World Cup and being replaced by Scotland.

Aminul Haque, State Minister for Youth and Sports, during his first media interaction after taking oath publicly, stated the government is hoping to mend ties and improve their relationship with their Asian neighbour.

BCB can also take confidence from the fact India resumed processing tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals again from June 28 after a gap of two years and these developments are certainly indicating things are getting better with the two neighbouring countries.