Cricket fans eagerly awaiting India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh this August might have to wait a little longer. According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, the series faces an unexpected hurdle—it still requires clearance from the Indian government.
Originally scheduled to begin on August 17 in Dhaka, the tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is. But now, with uncertainty looming, both boards may need to reassess their calendars.
Why the Tour Might Get Delayed
BCB’s media committee chairman Iftikhar Rahman revealed on Wednesday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reached out to express concerns over the schedule.
“The BCCI informed us that the tour may be delayed,” Rahman told AFP, highlighting the administrative delay due to government clearance requirements.
Such clearance is mandatory for all overseas tours involving Indian sports teams. The government usually grants it without much fuss, but regional geopolitical sensitivities or scheduling conflicts could affect timelines.
BCCI Remains Silent for Now
As of now, the BCCI has not released an official statement. This silence further fuels speculation. The Indian cricket board typically announces such decisions formally only after internal discussions are complete.
The uncertainty has understandably put the BCB on edge. With a packed international calendar and the T20 World Cup behind them, both teams need these matches to fine-tune combinations and give fringe players valuable exposure.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams?
Here’s why this series matters:
- Team India plans to test its bench strength, especially in white-ball formats post-World Cup.
- Bangladesh, hosting at home, aims to rebuild momentum and give its younger stars like Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan a bigger platform.
- Broadcasters and sponsors are also deeply invested, given the tour’s commercial value.
Conclusion: Delay Not Denial, But the Clock Is Ticking
While the series hasn’t been officially postponed, the delay in clearance is enough to raise concern. Fans and officials alike will hope for a quick green signal from New Delhi, as the countdown to the scheduled start date has already begun.
If the clearance doesn’t come soon, rescheduling or even cancellation may become unavoidable—a scenario neither board wants.
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