India’s tour of Bangladesh back in focus as January window comes under consideration
New Delhi: After multiple delays, India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh may take place in January 2027, with the opening week of the month being considered for the six-match series. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and have not confirmed anything officially, but according to India Today, sources suggested that discussions between the two boards are progressing well.
India will play three ODIs and three T20Is in the proposed series against Bangladesh. However, scheduling the series could prove tough as Zimbabwe are scheduled to tour India for three ODIs from January 3 to 9, followed by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which starts on January 21.
Indian government’s permission remains crucial
Given the deterioration in diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, the final approval will have to come from the Indian government. Relations between the two boards also went through a tough phase earlier this year. The BCCI asked the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad.
After which, Bangladesh refused to play their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India and requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their games to Sri Lanka. But the newly appointed BCB chairman, Tamim Iqbal, has taken positive steps and has also travelled to India. He reportedly visited the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“We are discussing a window. Given how our discussions with the BCCI are progressing, I am hopeful that the Indian team will come to Bangladesh for the series. Both Boards are working with a positive mindset,” Tamim was quoted as saying by a leading Bangladesh daily, Prothom Alo.
Zimbabwe series likely to be rescheduled
If India tour of Bangladesh goes ahead, the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe is likely to be rescheduled to accommodate the Bangladesh tour, although no official decision has been announced. The Men in Blue will also take on Australia in the crucial five-match Test series, and preparations for that will also have to be factored into the revised schedule.
India last toured Bangladesh in December 2022, when they played three ODI matches and two Tests. If the proposed tour in January 2027 gets the green light, it will mark India’s return to Bangladesh for bilateral series after more than four years.