India's Upcoming Series Against Bangladesh Likely to Be Canceled Amid Political Strain

India's anticipated cricket series against Bangladesh, set for August, is at risk of cancellation due to escalating political tensions. This series was to mark the return of cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following their Test retirements. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has suspended the sale of media rights, indicating that if the series is rescheduled, it will not affect broadcasters. Fans may have to wait longer to see their favorite players back in action, as the series was crucial for their international comeback. The first two ODIs were planned for Dhaka, with the final match in Chattogram, before India heads to Australia for another ODI series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2025, 18:23 IST

Cancellation of the Bangladesh Series

India was scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for a multi-format cricket series in August, marking their first white-ball matches after clinching the Champions Trophy 2025 title for the third time. However, recent developments indicate that this series may be scrapped due to escalating political tensions between the two nations.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also halted the sale of media and broadcasting rights for the series. Nevertheless, the board has suggested that if the series is rescheduled, the rights sale will not pose a problem, as the participation of the Indian team guarantees a return for broadcasters and media rights holders.

BCB Officials' Statements

"We will continue, we will take time to research the market. There is no point in rushing things. We can give different contracts,"

"The date for the India series hasn't been fixed yet. They (the BCCI) said it's difficult for them to come in August. This is part of FTP. We asked to sell the rights for only the Pakistan series. Then take your time. Because we don't have time. There is no time for the Pakistan series," the official from the board said further.

The planned three-match ODI series was anticipated to mark the return of cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the international arena, following their respective retirements from Test cricket.

Fans Await the Return of Star Players

Both Virat and Rohit are now focused solely on One-Day Internationals and are expected to compete until the 2027 50-over World Cup. However, with the potential cancellation of the series, fans might have to wait longer to see these players don the Indian jersey again.

The first two ODIs were set to take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, while the final match was scheduled for Chattogram. India is also slated to visit Australia for a three-match ODI series later this October.