India's tour of Bangladesh could be back on the cards, January window being explored
After two postponements and months of uncertainty, India's long-awaited tour of Bangladesh could finally go ahead in January 2027, with the two cricket boards understood to be working towards finding a window for the six-match white-ball series.
The proposed tour comprises three ODIs and three T20Is and could begin as early as the first week of January. While neither the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made an official announcement, there is growing optimism that the series could become a reality.
However, the biggest hurdle remains government clearance. Given the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Indian government will have the final say on whether the team can travel across the border.
The proposed tour also presents a scheduling challenge for the BCCI. Zimbabwe are scheduled to visit India for a three-match ODI series from January 3 to 9, while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is set to begin on January 21. Should the Bangladesh assignment get the go-ahead, India's home series against Zimbabwe could be rescheduled to accommodate the revised calendar.
There could, however, be a change in the atmosphere surrounding cricketing relations between the two countries. Bangladesh has undergone a political transition following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide victory in this year's general elections, raising hopes of a reset in bilateral ties.
India's tour was first postponed in July last year, while Bangladesh's subsequent decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India further strained relations between the two boards.
The BCB has also witnessed a change in leadership, with former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal replacing former captain Aminul Islam as president. It is understood that Tamim is keen to rebuild ties with the BCCI, not just through bilateral cricket but also at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) levels.BANGLADESH OPTIMISTIC ABOUT INDIA'S VISIT
There are encouraging signs from the Bangladesh camp, too. A leading Bangladesh daily, Prothom Alo, quoted Tamim as expressing confidence that India could travel to the country, with discussions between the two boards progressing positively.
"We are discussing a window. Given how our discussions with the BCCI are progressing, I am hopeful that the Indian team will come to Bangladesh for the series. Both Boards are working with a positive mindset," Tamim was quoted as saying.
India last toured Bangladesh in December 2022, when they played three ODIs and two Tests. The proposed January assignment would mark their first bilateral visit to the country in more than four years.
For now, the discussions offer a possible way forward after a prolonged period of uncertainty. Whether the series finally takes place will depend on the Indian government's approval and the two boards finding space in an already crowded international calendar.
