India-Bangladesh Series in Doubt Amid Growing Diplomatic Tensions

India’s much-anticipated cricket tour to Bangladesh is now facing significant uncertainty. Although there’s been no official announcement yet, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has quietly paused preparations for the short-format series scheduled for next month — a move largely attributed to escalating diplomatic friction between the two countries.

The first signs of trouble surfaced when the BCB suspended its ongoing media rights process. The board had initially planned to follow up technical bids on July 7 with financial bids by July 10. However, with the India tour’s status now unclear, the BCB is rethinking its timeline. Despite the fact that India tours are a major revenue stream for most boards, officials seem confident the series can be pushed back and rescheduled.

“We’re not in a rush. We’ll take time to study the market and explore different media contract options,” a BCB official in Dhaka told Cricbuzz.

Originally, the BCB aimed to offer media rights from July 2025 to June 2027. However, with the India series now uncertain, they are shifting focus to the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled from July 17 to 25.

A media executive from India confirmed that broadcasters were informed of the change:

“They haven’t shared the ITT documents for the India series. They’re currently inviting bids only for the Pakistan matches.”

The India tour was tentatively scheduled between August 17 and 31, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. Yet BCCI officials have remained silent, while sources suggest August may not be a feasible time for India to travel.

One senior BCB representative stated that discussions were ongoing and a final decision could arrive within the next week. A joint statement from the BCCI and BCB is also a possibility if the tour is officially called off or postponed.

Amid these cricketing uncertainties, political signals are being closely watched. It’s believed that the Indian government has informally advised the BCCI against proceeding with the tour, given the current diplomatic strain. Although nothing has been confirmed, this guidance may be influencing the board’s quiet withdrawal.

Interestingly, while bilateral engagements seem to be on hold, India has greenlit Pakistan’s hockey team to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar (August 29 – September 7). This suggests that while government policy may be cautious with bilateral series involving Pakistan and Bangladesh, participation in multilateral events remains open — for now.

On the commercial side, the BCB initially offered media rights in three separate packages:

Global satellite TV rights (including Bangladesh)

Global digital OTT rights (including Bangladesh)

Bangladesh-only DTH rights

This format was later revised to allow bidders to choose between an all-rights global bundle or specific regional rights, giving more flexibility.

Bangladesh’s ongoing international cycle (ending May 2027) includes 49 matches: 8 Tests (vs Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies, England), 20 ODIs, and 21 T20Is. But for now, the board is prioritizing media deals only for the Pakistan series.

“We’ve asked to sell rights for the Pakistan matches first. There’s no time for anything beyond that right now,” the BCB official added.