BCCI Awaits Government Green Light for India's Tour to Bangladesh

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently seeking government approval for the men's cricket team's tour to Bangladesh. Following previous tensions, relations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have improved. The BCCI is in discussions with the Indian High Commission, and while no specific dates have been set for the series, plans will be made once approval is granted. This comes after a history of strained ties, particularly highlighted by the BCCI's request for Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. The BCB is also taking steps to mend relations with India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 13, 2026, 17:47 IST

BCCI's Anticipation for Approval

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently seeking official consent from the Indian government regarding the upcoming tour of the men's cricket team to Bangladesh, as confirmed by a BCCI insider.

According to the source, the tour will proceed only after receiving government clearance, with ongoing discussions taking place with the Indian High Commission. "The Bangladesh tour is contingent on government approval; we are in discussions with the high commissioner. While talks are ongoing, the final decision hinges on the government's nod," the BCCI source stated.

Current Status of BCCI and BCB Relations

The BCCI representative noted that relations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have improved, and they are now awaiting the necessary government approval for the tour. Although a specific timeframe for the series has not been established, it will be arranged once the government gives its approval. "Our relationship with BCB is stable now, and we are looking for a positive signal from our government. A schedule for the series will be created if we receive the green light," the source added.

Historical Context of India-Bangladesh Cricket Relations

This development follows earlier tensions in cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh. The situation escalated in January when the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster due to violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was acquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore during the December 2025 auction, being the sole Bangladeshi player selected that year. The BCCI's directive for KKR to release him sparked significant backlash in Bangladesh. Shortly thereafter, the BCB announced that its national team would not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns and government advisories. They also requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches, a request that was ultimately denied.

BCB's Efforts to Restore Relations

In April, the BCB convened a meeting in Dhaka, led by then-president Aminul Islam Bulbul, to address the board's relationship with India. The BCB reported that it had communicated with its Indian counterpart via email, discussing the proposed tour of Bangladesh by the Indian team in September, the Bangladesh women's team's visit to India, and potential avenues for collaboration between the BCCI and BCB.