In a significant development for international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have mutually agreed to postpone India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, originally slated for August 2025. The series, comprising three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), will now take place in September 2026.
Mutual Agreement for Deferment
The decision to reschedule the highly anticipated series was announced today in a joint statement from both cricketing boards. The BCCI and BCB cited “international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams” as the primary reasons for the deferment. This mutual understanding ensures that both teams can participate with full strength and optimal preparation.
Original Schedule and Rescheduled Dates
The series was initially scheduled to run from August 17 to August 31, 2025. However, following discussions, it has been officially pushed back by more than a year and will now be held in September 2026. Revised dates and specific fixtures for the tour are expected to be announced by the BCB in due course.
Underlying Factors:
While the official statement points to scheduling conflicts, reports indicate that the ongoing political situation and security concerns in Bangladesh might have played a significant role in the BCCI’s decision to seek a postponement. Bangladesh has experienced political upheaval since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024. Sources suggest that the BCCI preferred the tour to proceed once a more stable government is in place and law and order are assured.
Impact on Team India’s Preparations
The postponement means a slight reshuffle in Team India’s white-ball calendar. The series was crucial for India’s preparations, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon. While the delay provides more time for strategic planning, it also means a longer wait for fans eager to see key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are focusing on the ODI format, back in action for India in a bilateral white-ball series. Their next white-ball assignment is now expected to be against Australia in October-November.
Despite the deferment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed its anticipation of hosting the Indian team in September 2026, reiterating their commitment to the series and the strong cricketing ties between the two nations.
