The Indian cricket team’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in August is facing uncertainty as the Indian government has yet to give final approval, reportedly due to political concerns.

According to the fixture announced nearly two months ago, India was set to arrive on August 13 for a bilateral series comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 (T20) matches. 

The series was to begin on August 17 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur and conclude on August 31.

However, multiple Indian government sources cited by BBC Bangla suggest that New Delhi is hesitant to allow the tour to proceed, citing the current diplomatic environment. 

A senior official close to India’s Home Ministry reportedly said that the government does not believe the visit would “send a positive message” under the prevailing circumstances.

Adding to the tensions, the Times of India reported that a controversial comment by a former Bangladeshi military officer regarding India-Pakistan relations may have influenced Delhi’s stance. 

Although Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry swiftly distanced the government from the remark, Indian concerns have reportedly persisted.

Sources also indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had shown reluctance from the beginning, citing security concerns and emphasizing that it would not proceed without a clear directive from the central government.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam said discussions with the BCCI were ongoing. 

“We want to host the series as planned. But if India is unable to tour in August, we will explore future windows,” he told reporters. “The Indian government has placed restrictions on several foreign tours, not just Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh is set to prepare for the Asia Cup from September, followed by series against the West Indies and Ireland in October and November, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in December, and the T20 World Cup in early 2026.

SMS/