☰
×

India's Bangladesh Tour Tentatively Scheduled for January 2027

The Indian cricket team is tentatively scheduled to tour Bangladesh in January 2027 for a six-match series, including three ODIs and three T20s. This follows two previous postponements and comes amid improving diplomatic relations between the two nations. While the BCCI awaits government approval, discussions between the cricket boards are reportedly progressing well. The tour's confirmation would mark India's return to Bangladesh for bilateral cricket after over four years. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
 

Overview of the Upcoming Tour


New Delhi. After being postponed twice and a lengthy wait, the Indian cricket team's tour of Bangladesh is now tentatively set for January 2027. Sources indicate that the first week of the month is being considered as a potential window for this six-match limited-overs series. While neither the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed this, discussions between the two boards appear to be progressing positively, suggesting that the tour could indeed take place.


Details of the Proposed Series

The proposed series is expected to feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 matches. However, finding a suitable window may prove challenging, as Zimbabwe is already scheduled to tour India for a three-match ODI series from January 3 to 9. Following that, the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is set to commence on January 21.


Political Context and Approval Process

Given the recent tensions in political and diplomatic relations between the two nations, the final approval for this tour will rest with the Indian government. It is understood that the BCCI is awaiting necessary clearance from the central government before finalizing the proposed tour. The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh and the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the general elections have led to a change in the country's leadership, raising hopes for improved relations between the two countries and their cricket boards.


Background of Previous Postponements

Notably, this tour was initially postponed last July. Subsequently, Bangladesh's decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India further strained relations between the BCCI and BCB. However, there has been a significant change in the leadership of the Bangladesh board, with former opener Tamim Iqbal taking over as BCB president from former captain Aminul Islam. Sources suggest that Tamim is eager to strengthen ties with the BCCI, not only through bilateral cricket but also at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) levels.


Positive Outlook from BCB President

The leading Bangladeshi daily 'Prothom Alo' quoted BCB president Tamim Iqbal expressing optimism regarding India's potential tour. He stated, "We are discussing a suitable window. Given how our talks with the BCCI are progressing, I am hopeful that the Indian team will tour Bangladesh for this series. Both boards are working positively in this direction."


Scheduling Challenges Ahead

If the tour is confirmed, a significant question will arise regarding the previously scheduled ODI series against Zimbabwe. Sources suggest that the series could be rescheduled to accommodate the Bangladesh tour, although no official announcement has been made yet. Additionally, the revised schedule will need to consider preparations for the Test series against Australia starting on January 21.


Historical Context of India's Last Tour

India last toured Bangladesh in December 2022, playing three ODIs and two Test matches. If the proposed series in January receives the green light from both the government and the boards, it will mark the Indian team's return to bilateral cricket in Bangladesh after more than four years.