India’s tour of Bangladesh has been up in the air for almost a year now. On paper, nothing’s different as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still says any call will come only after talking to the Government of India. But something big just happened in Dhaka after which that six-match white-ball series is back on everyone’s radar.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has invited expressions of interest for the television and digital media rights of its upcoming home international fixtures. Most notably, the tender document specifically includes India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2026, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.
“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 Cricbuzz.
However, the BCCI hasn’t officially confirmed that the series is back on track, it would be difficult to imagine the Bangladesh board putting the rights up for sale without some degree of confidence that the tour remains a realistic possibility.
India vs Bangladesh all but likely now
The India-Bangladesh series was initially slated to take place last year but was postponed due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The situation has since been up and down. But BCB’s anti-India stance isn’t there anymore.
Bangladesh now has a new government, and the BCB has also undergone substantial changes. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was recently elected as the board’s president after serving as interim chief during a period of administrative upheaval. Interestingly, one of Tamim’s earliest public priorities was rebuilding cricketing ties with India. He openly spoke about improving relations with the BCCI and expressed confidence that bilateral cricket between the two neighbours would resume sooner rather than later. Now with BCB eyeing media rights, his actions are right where his words were.
Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket reportedly pushed for three additional T20Is against India in August, but the BCCI did not entertain that request. Should the Bangladesh tour receive final clearance, that vacant international window could potentially be utilised for the postponed series.
The tender document lists four major home assignments, with India’s tour placed at the very top. Interested broadcasters and digital platforms can obtain the bidding documents from July 2, while submissions must be completed by July 22.
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