India’s Bangladesh tour for ODIs and T20Is 'put on hold'

India's Axar Patel plays a shot as Bangladesh's Litton Das looks on, Asia Cup Super Four, Colombo, September 15, 2023. — AFP

The Indian cricket team’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, which included three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), has been postponed indefinitely, according to Indian media reports on Friday.

The series was originally scheduled to take place from August 17 to 31, but has reportedly been delayed after the Indian government advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to halt the tour, citing escalating political tensions between the two nations.

Neither the BCCI nor the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially confirmed the postponement.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board had already begun preparations for the series, including the sale of media rights, which have now been put on hold. Broadcasters were also informed that the series will not proceed as originally planned.

Despite the developments, both cricket boards have remained tight-lipped. A BCB official, speaking to Indian media on condition of anonymity, stated:

“The date for the India series hasn’t been fixed yet. They (the BCCI) said it’s difficult for them to come in August. This is part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).”

On the Indian side, officials have been similarly non-committal. A BCCI source told the media that a final decision is expected within a week and hinted that a joint statement from both boards could be issued soon regarding the tour’s status.

Bangladesh set to play 49 home internationals in the cycle concluding in May 2027, including eight Tests, two each against Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies and England, 20 ODIs and 21 T20s.

Click here to read article