BCB holds meeting to discuss future ties and bilateral series with BCCI
Dhaka, April 4
The Bangladesh Cricket Board, led by president Aminul Islam Bulbul, held a meeting on Saturday to review cricketing ties with India, confirming that formal communication has been sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding upcoming bilateral tours and future collaboration opportunities.
Earlier, the BCB had written an email to the BCCI regarding the bilateral tours and series. As per the ICC Future Tour Programme, India is scheduled to play Bangladesh in a series.
The Indian men's team is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in September 2026 for a six-match white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. Initially planned for August 2025, the tour was deferred due to scheduling and security issues. Following a proposal from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the final itinerary is now awaiting confirmation between the two boards.
A few months back, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release (the only) Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman (auctioned for $1 million) from its 2026 squad. The decision did not bode well with the Bangladesh government and public, and the BCB responded by seeking relocation of their team's matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 from India to Sri Lanka, citing 'security concerns' for its players.
Despite repeated assessments, the ICC rejected such a request, citing a lack of any credible security threats for Bangladeshi players. Bangladesh was eventually withdrawn from the T20 World Cup and replaced by Scotland.
The matter was eventually resolved with the BCB avoiding a hefty fine from ICC and getting the hosting rights of an ICC event in 2028. Bangladesh also decided to ban the broadcast of IPL matches in the country, though the ban was lifted recently.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The whole Mustafizur Rahman and IPL broadcast ban saga was so unnecessary and harmed fans the most. Cricket boards should act more professionally. Glad they are talking now, but the damage to bilateral relations took a hit.
Security concerns in India? That was clearly a political move by BCB after the KKR issue. ICC was right to reject it. India has hosted countless international events safely. Let's keep politics out of sports yaar.
Good step. Bangladesh is a strong team at home, and a series there is always a challenge for India. Hope BCCI confirms the tour. Our young players need exposure to different conditions. Also, BCB getting an ICC event in 2028 is a good compromise.
The article shows how one decision (asking KKR to release Mustafizur) created a huge chain reaction. BCCI should think twice before such directives that affect other nations. Respect is a two-way street.
Excited for the 2026 series! Bangladesh crowds are amazing. But all this back-and-forth between boards is tiresome. Just finalize the dates and let us enjoy the cricket. 🏏
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