The bilateral series between India and Bangladesh, set to start in August, is in massive jeopardy. The limited-overs series, which was supposed to start on August 17, is likely to be cancelled.
As per a report from Cricbuzz, the Indian team may not travel to Bangladesh for the white ball assignment, which would have seen India play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
At the heart of the uncertainty lies a deteriorating diplomatic climate between the two neighbouring nations.
Why is India vs Bangladesh Series Cancelled?
BCB Media Rights doesn’t include India Series
The first tangible sign of the tour’s indefinite postponement came through the BCB’s decision to halt the sale of its media rights. The bidding process was originally due to begin on July 7, with financial bidding to follow three days later. However, that plan has been shelved for now, with no revised dates announced.
“They have informed us that there is no India series. After announcing the tender, they did not provide the ITT. They are selling, for now, only for the Pakistan series,” an Indian broadcaster was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Thursday.
The Invitation to Tender (ITT), which was to be available between June 15 and July 6 for a fee of USD 3,000, has also been deferred. That delay reflects broader uncertainty surrounding the India series.
India-Bangladesh Deteriorated Relations
Behind the scenes, the Indian government’s stance is believed to have played a decisive role. Sources indicate that New Delhi has advised the BCCI to avoid touring Bangladesh under current circumstances, given the recent strain in diplomatic ties. That sentiment has reportedly shaped the BCCI’s position, even if it has chosen to remain publicly non-committal for now.
After the dethronement of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, the political equilibrium has massively altered, which has weakened the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Amid the current situation, playing in Bangladesh is probably not advisable at the moment.
While the BCCI has not issued any formal communication regarding the status of the tour, insiders suggest a decision will be made in the coming days. A joint statement from the two boards may yet follow to clarify the situation.
Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli return delayed
As the India vs Bangladesh series has been cancelled, the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in international cricket is further delayed. The duo only play in the ODI format and the omission of this series would elongate their absence from the international cricket.