India-Bangladesh series could be played in January as BCB, BCCI hold ‘fruitful’ talks

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is hopeful that India’s long-pending tour of Bangladesh will finally take place during the 2026-27 season, with the two cricket boards engaged in what BCB president Tamim Iqbal described as “fruitful” discussions over a fresh window. The proposed tour, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, could now be staged early next year, with January emerging as a possible window. However, the BCCI has not yet formally announced revised dates for the series. “All I can tell you is that both the cricket boards are in discussion. It is a fruitful talk, and I am hopeful this will happen,” Tamim said.

January window under consideration

India were initially scheduled to visit Bangladesh in August 2025, but the tour was deferred to September 2026 following discussions between the two boards over their international commitments. That window is no longer expected to work, with India scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan beginning September 13. A BCCI source recently indicated that the BCB was seeking a window at the beginning of next year and that January was being considered. However, discussions with the Indian government remain important before the tour can be finalised.

Tamim said both boards were keen for the series to go ahead and were working through their packed international schedules to identify suitable dates. He added that the intentions on both sides remained positive despite the uncertainty surrounding the tour.

Relations show signs of improvement

Cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated earlier this year following a series of contentious developments.

Tensions increased after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL squad. The situation worsened when Bangladesh subsequently decided against participating in the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India, citing security concerns.

Tamim has since acknowledged that Bangladesh could have handled the World Cup episode differently, saying the team should have participated in the tournament and that negotiations should have been conducted more effectively.

Relations between the BCB and BCCI, however, appear to have improved since Tamim took charge of the Bangladesh board. His visit to India earlier this month, which reportedly included a tour of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, was viewed as another indication of improving ties.

The proposed bilateral series remains subject to final approval and confirmation of dates. If an agreement is reached, India will travel to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, reviving a tour that has already been postponed more than once.