BCB confident of hosting India despite earlier uncertainty, says Asif Rabbani

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media committee chairman Asif Rabbani said the board remains confident of hosting India for a white-ball series in August and September 2026, offering a fresh signal of intent even as the tour’s fate has been under a cloud for months.

The confidence comes after Cricbuzz reported on Wednesday, July 1, that the BCB had put television and digital media rights for the series up for sale, having floated Expressions of Interest for its home series over the next two years with a specific mention of India’s 2026 tour. The BCB had earlier announced a three match ODI and T20I series for August and September, with India set to arrive on Friday, August 28, and the ODIs to be played on September 1, 3 and 6, followed by the T20Is on September 9, 12 and 13.

“We are confident about hosting India as per schedule. We have floated the EOI for media rights for the next few home series, including India’s tour, and hoping for a good response from prospective bidders. Everyone is well aware about the benefits of playing a white ball series against a top side like India and the signs are positive,” Asif Rabbani said on Cricbuzz.

Why was India’s tour of Bangladesh in doubt in the first place?

The series was postponed after diplomatic tension between the two countries following the student movement that ousted the Awami League government in July 2024. Bangladesh’s interim government did not allow the team to travel to India for the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns, a call many inside the game believed was more political than practical. Bangladesh’s recent general election has since brought the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to power, and the new government has moved to mend ties with India, with India also resuming tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals from Sunday, June 28, after a two year gap.

Despite the BCB’s optimism, the BCCI has remained non-committal when contacted by Cricbuzz recently. With the EOI process for media rights already underway, Bangladesh’s board will be hoping a strong response from broadcasters adds further weight to the tour going ahead as scheduled.