Reports in Indian media have suggested that, given the current regional situation, India may not send their team for the scheduled Bangladesh tour in August.
Despite these reports casting doubt over India’s visit, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sees no cause for concern. The governing body remains hopeful that the series will proceed as planned without any issues.
India is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in August to play three ODIs and three T20s, part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme.
However, a report from The Times of India on Friday, citing sources, mentioned that the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, might impact the subcontinent’s cricket schedule. The report also hinted that ongoing tensions with Bangladesh could influence the situation.
The report referenced a Facebook post by Major General (Retd.) A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, the head of an independent commission investigating the BDR headquarters killings. In his post, Fazlur Rahman suggested that if India were to attack Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy the seven northeastern states of India. He also mentioned consulting with China for joint military action if necessary.
The report speculated that such developments could affect cricket schedules. A source quoted in the article said, “The tour is part of the schedule, but nothing is finalized yet. Given the current situation, there’s a significant chance that the Indian team may not travel to Bangladesh for the ODIs and T20s.”
Despite the uncertainty mentioned in the report, the full schedule for the tour was released by the BCB on April 15, with matches set to take place in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Nazmul Abedin, BCB director and head of the cricket operations department, told bdnews24.com that they had not received any indication of the tour being in jeopardy.
“We haven’t received any signals or indications suggesting that the Indian team might not come for the tour. The relationship between the boards of both countries is excellent and very friendly. We are confident the series will go ahead smoothly.”
He also noted that schedules are finalized through discussions between the boards of the two countries, and the process is progressing smoothly.
“The schedule was announced quite some time ago, and everything that needs to be done is being taken care of.”
The Times of India also expressed concerns about the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled for September in India. However, with India and Pakistan not playing in each other’s countries, some matches are expected to be held in a hybrid model at neutral venues. There’s also speculation that the tournament could potentially be moved or postponed.
