India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh nears approval; Afghanistan T20Is could be rescheduled
India-Bangladesh Tour Developments
India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh is reportedly nearing approval, with discussions underway to accommodate the fixtures. This potential tour could lead to a rescheduling of the proposed three T20Is against Afghanistan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly interested in hosting a six-match white-ball series in September.
The tour was initially planned for the previous year but was postponed due to political tensions between the two nations. A week before the recent developments, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens, following a suspension that lasted nearly two years after political unrest in 2024.
A BCB official expressed optimism about the tour, stating that while a definitive green light has not yet been received from the BCCI, there has been no indication that the tour will not proceed. The official conveyed hope for a positive response from the BCCI soon.
Potential Rescheduling and Board Relations
Sources close to Tamim Iqbal, the newly elected president of the BCB, indicated that he returned from an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, with positive signs regarding the tour. Tamim Iqbal had previously expressed hope for the series, highlighting its popularity among Bangladeshi fans.
To facilitate the Bangladesh tour, the start of the series against Afghanistan, originally set for September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, could be pushed back to September 17. This adjustment would create a sufficient window after the Sri Lanka Tests to allow for the short tour of Bangladesh. The BCB had also recently put its television and digital media rights up for sale.
The BCB is confident that the BCCI will approve the tour later this year. Reports suggest that Tamim Iqbal has a positive relationship with BCCI’s Mithun Manhas, which could contribute to the tour becoming a reality. The BCB has also reportedly assured enhanced security for India’s visit.
Broader Context of Cricket Calendar
The potential tour to Bangladesh could feature six matches, including three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is. This series would mark India’s return to Bangladesh after a four-year gap.
The Asia Cup 2027, which will be played in Bangladesh, is set to feature ODI cricket, serving as a significant rehearsal for the ODI World Cup later that year. The tournament will include six teams: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and one associate nation qualifier. Bangladesh’s role as host, amidst a leadership change at the BCB, adds another layer of significance to its cricketing calendar.
The Asia Cup 2027 is structured with two groups leading into a Super Four stage before the final, with a total of 13 games expected across venues in Mirpur, Chattogram, and Sylhet. This tournament is seen as a crucial opportunity for teams to refine their World Cup strategies, focusing on squad selection, batting orders, and bowling combinations.
Currently, India is in England for a white-ball tour and will then travel to Zimbabwe for three T20 matches before their two Test matches in Sri Lanka, commencing on August 15.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
