Team India can tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in August this year as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has wished to improve their relation with India. According to the latest reports, the Men in Blue can play 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs against the Tiger brigade in 2026.

According to a report published by Dainik Jagran, BCB is in communication with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding a bilateral series. The report further mentioned that BCB has written to them, referring to the historically strong relations between the two countries.

BCB is in touch with BCCI

The letter also includes a request regarding the Indian team’s tour of Bangladesh. Last year, India was scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20 matches in Bangladesh, but the BCCI postponed the tour to September this year due to a busy schedule.

The political relationship between India and Bangladesh worsened before the formation of the new government. Before the general election, when Bangladesh was under the rule of an interim government, BCB refused to send their cricket team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing safety and security concerns for their players.  

Dispute between India and Bangladesh before the T20 World Cup 2026

The cricket governing board of Bangladesh requested the Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches outside India. With an ultimatum, the council asked BCB to rethink its stance. As the board remained firm in their decision, ICC ruled them out of the T20 World Cup and included Scotland as a replacement. BCB went against playing on Indian soil after the snub of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).

Read More: BCCI to give new role to Hardik Pandya for India ahead of ODI World Cup 2027

Things started to change as soon as the people of Bangladesh voted for Tarique Rahman as their Prime Minister. Things started to reshape. Under the new government, BCB has been putting in efforts to strengthen its relationship with India.

After the political dispute, India’s tour to Bangladesh became uncertain. Now, as BCB is in communication with BCCI again, the bilateral series can be possible with new hopes.

🚨 BIG UPDATE ON INDIA'S TOUR OF BANGLADESH 🚨

- Tean India may tour Bangladesh in August in this year. In this tour Team India will play 3 T20Is and 3 ODI match series. (Abhishek Tripathi). pic.twitter.com/Pvis5OuGpi

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 4, 2026

Bangladesh to host Asia Cup next year

Next year, Bangladesh is scheduled to host the Asia Cup. Ahead of the multi-format tournament, they will definitely try to improve their bond with the neighboring nation. If India refused to send their cricket team to Bangladesh, then the organizers would have to think differently, even about a possible hybrid model.  

Because of the tension between India and Pakistan, the ICC tournaments, like the T20 World Cup 2026, were held in a hybrid model, which resulted in the India vs Pakistan match being held in a neutral venue, which was Sri Lanka. For the same political reason, last year’s Asia Cup was held in Dubai. 

If India refuses to travel to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup 2027, then it will be a major blow for them. In this scenario, Bangladesh should try to maintain a close relationship with India. Ahead of the vital competition, if the BCCI agrees to tour Bangladesh, then it can be considered as a sign of an improving relationship between these two nations.  

A Bangladesh minister has suggested that the government may rethink its ban on the Indian Premier League (IPL)broadcast in the country, which has been in place since January. The ban was imposed after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL 2026 team, without giving a specific reason.

Aminul Haque, the state minister for youth and sports, said on Sunday that he will discuss the matter with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after the Eid holidays. He added that sports should not be politicized or harm friendly relations with India.

For context, the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur just days after he was signed in the 2026 IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi for Rs. 9 crore. This decision followed criticism in India over allowing a Bangladeshi player to play in the IPL despite political tensions.

🚨 Bangladesh is looking to lift the ban on IPL 2026 broadcast, which they had imposed indefinitely when Mustafizur Rahman was released by KKR. pic.twitter.com/CPUxsO9CJP

— India Updates (@UpdatesForIndia) March 23, 2026

See also -BCB plans Shakib Al Hasan’s possible return to Bangladesh team amid T20 World Cup 2026

Why Bangladesh Cricket Board May Reverse Its Stance?

According to Bangladesh's new sports minister, Aminul Haque, the decision on the IPL broadcast ban may be reviewed, as they do not want sports to be politicised.

“We have not made a decision yet about broadcasting the IPL in Bangladesh. After the Eid holidays, we will discuss it with the cricket board and try to understand the full situation regarding the ban. Once we know everything, we will make a decision. We want to keep a friendly relationship with India, and sports should not be politicised. We need to know why the IPL broadcast was stopped, and then we can decide,” said Aminul in an interview with Cricbuzz.

Why did BCB ban broadcasting of IPL 2026 in Bangladesh?

The ban in Bangladesh was imposed after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, without providing a clear reason. Notably, Mustafizur had been bought by KKR for ₹9.20 crore in the 2026 IPL mini-auction.

Following his release, Bangladesh responded by banning the broadcast of the IPL in the country. The situation escalated when Bangladesh also refused to play their matches in India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The demand came after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament schedule, which is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The ICC could not accommodate Bangladesh’s request, and as a result, the team was replaced by Scotland for the tournament.

Fans React to Potential IPL Return on TV in Bangladesh

Fans in Bangladesh have welcomed the possibility of the IPL returning to television screens. Many expressed excitement on social media, saying they miss watching their favourite players, including Bangladeshi stars like Mustafizur Rahman, compete in the league. Some fans called for sports and politics to remain separate, emphasizing that cricket brings joy and unites people. Others shared hope that the government and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will quickly resolve the issue so they can enjoy live IPL action at home once again.

Shakib Al Hasan may return to the Bangladesh national cricket team in the near future as discussions regarding his legal case continue. The government is prepared, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board has also taken necessary steps regarding his possible comeback. Shakib has expressed his interest in representing the national team again. The primary concern remains the legal case filed against him after August 5, 2024, and the process of resolving the matter, though some progress has been reported.

According to Asif Akbar, a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, efforts are underway to withdraw the case against Shakib. He stated that Shakib’s legal representatives have been in contact with the board and that the required documents are being prepared for submission to the relevant ministry.

A formal file containing the allegations has already been prepared. Shakib’s lawyer has communicated with the BCB regarding the case. The file is expected to be forwarded to the ministry soon, possibly within a few days, after which the final decision will rest with the government authorities.

Also read -Watch: Grace Harris dismissed in a rare hit-wicket in India-W vs Australia-W 3rd T20I at Adelaide Oval

Government Support and Possible Return of Shakib Al Hasan

Sources suggest that the government has given a positive signal about the possible return of Shakib Al Hasan to the national team. The newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, previously said that senior cricketers should not be affected by political situations. Before taking office, he also supported the return of senior players such as Shakib and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. After assuming office, he said the government would try to help if their return was possible.

Career and Farewell Plan

Some critics have questioned whether Shakib should return because of his past political association. Asif Akbar said that Shakib has already explained his position and expressed regret publicly. He also said that Shakib told him in the United States that he wants to continue playing for the Bangladesh national cricket team and hopes to finish his career after playing one final series.

Asif added that Shakib has served Bangladesh cricket for a long time, and the board believes he deserves a proper farewell. In a board meeting, officials discussed the matter and agreed that they want Shakib back in the national team as a player.

The Legendary cricketer also said in an interview that he wants to retire after playing a complete series. He said he is still playing because he wants to end his cricket career properly, and finishing with one last series would mean a lot to him.

Notably, Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in a Test match against India national cricket team at Kanpur from September 27 to October 1, 2024. His last One Day International was against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in Delhi on November 6, 2023, while his last T20 International appearance was against the Afghanistan national cricket team in Kingstown on June 24, 2024.

Throughout his career, Shakib has been one of Bangladesh’s most successful all-rounders. In Test cricket, he has scored 4,609 runs in 71 matches with an average of 37.77 and has taken 246 wickets. In ODIs, he has scored 7,570 runs in 247 matches with an average of 37.29 and has claimed 317 wickets. In T20Is, he has scored 2,551 runs and taken 149 wickets, showing his value as both a batter and a bowler for the Bangladesh national cricket team.

While the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group A fixture is all set to be played as schedule, on Sunday (February 15) at Colombo, there is important news about the attendance of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul for the match.

Every cricket fan knows about the drama with Bangladesh for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which escalated the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India to support Bangladesh, who were ultimately removed from the tournament after choosing not to travel in India for the competition. However, ultimately, the India vs Pakistan match is set to be played as per schedule, while Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam requested that the PCB proceed with the schedule.

The ICC wants representatives from these five Asian nations to attend together: BCB President

Recently, the BCB President revealed that during the India vs Pakistan match, the International Cricket Council (ICC) wanted the presence of the five Asian nations' representatives. It was a hint of the presence of the BCB President during the game.

Aminul Islam said in an interview, “During the India–Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, the ICC wants representatives from these five Asian nations to attend together, watch the match, and engage in dialogue."

What's the point of going unnecessarily

However, on Saturday (February 14), the situation progresses, claiming that the BCB President is unlikely to be present during the India vs Pakistan match since Bangladesh aren't participating in the contest. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is making strong efforts to bring former national captain Shakib Al Hasan back into the Bangladesh team. March is the most likely time for his return.

BCB officials said the plan is not to arrange a farewell series for the star all-rounder at this moment. Instead, the board wants Shakib to make a proper comeback and continue playing for the national team, not just for one series.

BCB director Asif Akbar confirmed that talks are already happening at a high level. Speaking to a Bangladeshi media outlet, Prothom Alo, he said, “Our board president is in contact with the government authorities about this issue. We hope Shakib can return to the national team during the home series against Pakistan in March.”

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Shakib Still Away From the National Team

Shakib Al Hasan has not returned to Bangladesh since August 5, 2024. He wanted to play the Mirpur Test against South Africa, but some issues stopped him from playing. After the tours of Pakistan and India, he has not played for the national team. Earlier plans about his retirement also did not work out.

Shakib Wants a Proper Farewell

In a recent interview with a Bangladeshi media, Shakib said he still wants to retire on a positive note.

“I still want to retire after playing a full series,” Shakib said. “That is why I am still playing cricket. If I can finish after a series, it will feel right to me.”

BCB Working on His Return

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to work on Shakib’s return in a board meeting on January 24. Board directors Amzad Hussain and Asif Akbar later confirmed that the government has been contacted to help bring him back.

However, the board wants Shakib to play for a longer time. 

“We want Shakib to play for Bangladesh again, starting with the Pakistan series,” Asif Akbar told in Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom alo. “First, we need to create the chance. After that, it will be his decision if he wants to continue.”

Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March, before the Pakistan Super League later that month. Pakistan will also return in May for a two-match Test series.

Ishtiak Sadek has stepped down from his role as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He formally submitted his resignation to the board on January 24, ending his short term as a board member.

A well-known name in Bangladesh’s cricket and sports media circles, Ishtiak has been closely linked with domestic cricket administration for many years. He earlier served as a BCB councillor from Dhanmondi Sports Club. He was also involved in the ownership of BPL franchise Rangpur Riders, one of the league’s top teams.

Apart from cricket administration, Ishtiak Sadek is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of T Sports, Bangladesh’s first and only dedicated sports television channel. His work in both cricket management and sports broadcasting has made him a familiar figure in the country’s sports scene.

Also read -Watch: Gautam Gambhir visits Kamakhya Temple ahead of IND vs NZ 3rd T20I in Guwahati

Ishtiak Sadek Steps Away from BCB Role

According to sources, Ishtiak Sadek cited family reasons for stepping down from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). During his time as a director, he was given an important role as the Chairman of the BCB’s Game Development Committee. His work focused on grassroots development and long-term planning for Bangladesh cricket.

ICC Confirms Bangladesh’s Exit from T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that Bangladesh will not take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup. In a shocking and historic decision, the ICC confirmed through an official press release that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the tournament.

This rare move comes after a long deadlock between the BCB and the ICC over hosting World Cup matches in India.

Venue Dispute Triggers Major Fallout

The issue reportedly began on January 3, when the BCCI removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Following this, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released him from their squad. This move caused strong anger within Bangladesh cricket circles.

On January 4, the BCB sent its first formal email to the ICC, clearly stating that it would not play World Cup matches in India due to security concerns. Bangladesh’s interim government Youth and Sports Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, played a key role in this decision. He strongly supported the board’s stand and advised them not to travel to India.

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat continued in his role as the third umpire for the third and final ODI between India and New Zealand in Indore on Sunday. This came despite ongoing tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns related to the T20 World Cup 2026.

For the third ODI at the Holkar Stadium, KN Ananthapadmanabhan and Richard Illingworth served as the on-field umpires. Sharfuddoula Saikat was the third umpire, Rohan Pandit was the fourth umpire, and Javagal Srinath acted as the match referee. The BCCI made no changes to the officials’ panel, even after the recent India–Bangladesh row during the U19 World Cup handshake controversy.

The presence of a Bangladeshi umpire in India surprised many fans, as the BCB had recently asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. However, the BCB cannot stop Saikat from officiating in India because he is an ICC-contracted umpire.

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Security Concerns and ICC Clarification

The tension between the two boards increased after Bangladesh asked the ICC to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, citing security concerns. However, the ICC confirmed that Sharfuddoula Saikat is an ICC-contracted umpire and does not need any clearance or a No Objection Certificate from the BCB to officiate in India. BCB Umpire Department Chairman Iftekhar Rahman also said that Saikat is automatically released for ICC duties and that the Bangladesh board cannot stop him from officiating.

Toss Update and Team Changes

At the toss in Indore, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first. He said chasing would be better at the high-scoring Holkar Stadium, even though India had earlier scored 385 and 399 when batting first at the venue. India made one change, bringing in Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna, while New Zealand fielded the same playing XI from the Rajkot ODI.

Tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently deteriorated due to the BCB's request that Bangladesh's matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup be moved from India. This dispute stems from the recent release of Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman from KKR's squad for IPL 2026. This incident caused widespread outrage in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was signed by KKR for ₹9.20 crore, but due to increasing pressure about civil unrest and safety in Bangladesh, Mustafizur was released from KKR's squad. The BCB was furious over the BCCI's decision and decided to approach the ICC for safety-related reasons and to request that Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of its four group stages at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the BCB is requesting the ICC review the security measures in India because if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in the IPL, then there may be security issues for the entire team when travelling to India to play in a global tournament.

BCCI Issues Strong Response to BCB

This week's announcement from the BCB, calling for an immediate transfer of the April 2026 matches from India to Bangladesh, has met with an equally strong response from the BCCI. According to BCCI sources who spoke to PTI, the BCB's proposal is unfeasible and 'disruptive to the sport.' The BCCI pointed out that moving matches on such short notice would create logistical difficulties surrounding travel, accommodation, scheduling, and other logistical arrangements.

"You cannot move games just because someone doesn't like them where they are," said one BCCI source. "This is a logistical nightmare. You have numerous games being played in multiple locations each day with broadcasters located across venues, and it would be very difficult to transfer games to another country."

As tensions rise, Bangladesh has now opted to withdraw from airing the IPL 2026 matches in Bangladesh. In an official statement, Bangladeshi Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that the BCB has been asked to formally present its request to the ICC and that if player safety cannot be guaranteed, then Bangladesh will request a change of venue. Currently, all of Bangladesh's matches remain scheduled to be played in India for now and are grouped together with England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.

In a shocking turn of events, Faruque Ahmed has been removed as the president of BCB with immediate effect. The announcement of his termination was issued by the National Sports Council (NSC) after eight BCB directors voted in favour of his removal from the role of BCB president. Faruque's tenure as a BCB president lasted nine months and eight days. He was first appointed as the BCB president following the ouster of Nazmul Hasan at a time when Bangladesh was grappling with violent student protests nationwide. 

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BCB directors lodge a no-confidence letter against Faruque 

It is widely reported that as many as eight BCB directors stood against him to issue a no-confidence letter against Faruque. The letter was then formally submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, urging the authority to remove him from his position. This development came shortly after the government had informed BCB that they were no longer interested in retaining him for this position. 

The letter said the following:

"In light of the no-confidence letter sent by eight BCB directors against Faruque Ahmed, and the report presented by the fact-finding committee about the BPL, his nomination as the representative of the National Sports Council (sports ministry) has been cancelled."

Despite this unfortunate development, Faruque stands firm and has vowed not to back down under government pressure. He demands that the government offer a reasonable explanation for his removal. In an official correspondence dated May 29 and directed to the chief executive officer of the BCB, the NSC justified the use of Section 13.2(b)(4) of its legislation to initiate the termination of Faruque's role on the BCB board. The correspondence validated the rumors regarding Faruque's dismissal.

Consequences for Bangladesh Cricket Board

The government's intervention to sack Farque from his position can have dire consequences for Bangladesh cricket. As per regulatory norms stated in ICC's rulebook, full member nations as well as associate nations must be free from government interference. Furthermore, the ICC expects its members to manage their affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation, or administration of cricket in their country.

A breach of this law may result in a swift suspension from the governing body. Government intervention in sports is not something new. Back in 2023, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) was temporarily suspended by the ICC when their then-sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, decided to dismiss the national cricketing board following the national team’s poor run in the 2023 World Cup.

Three Bangladeshi cricketers Liton Das, Nahid Rana, and Rishad Hossain have submitted their applications to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to feature in the coming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), which will be held from April 11 to May 18.

• Litton Das has been selected by Karachi Kings as a wicketkeeper-batter.
• Pacer Nahid Rana has been selected by Peshawar Zalmi.
• Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will play for Lahore Qalandars.

Their involvement in the PSL, though, might be complicated by Bangladesh's Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled from April 20 to May 2. The BCB is yet to decide if it will give the players clearance to play in the league, given that the Test series is crucial for the national team.

BCB's in-charge cricket operations, Shahriar Nafees, said that the board is positively inclined towards giving NOCs in general, but they will have to take the players' availability and national engagement into account. As Liton and Nahid are members of Bangladesh's Test team, they are a matter of concern from the availability angle during this time. Rishad, though, is not a member of the Test side and is thus more likely to get the approval.

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The BCB will make the official announcement soon after factoring in the availability of the players for international duty. The BCB will also take care while addressing Nahid Rana's workload, not wishing for him to work himself to exhaustion in the PSL while balancing his national duties.

The addition of the trio to the PSL is pending the final decision of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The fans will be keen to learn whether the players can showcase their talent in the Pakistan Super League this season.