India’s long-delayed cricket tour of Bangladesh could finally take place in January 2027, with the two countries exploring a six-match white-ball series after two previous postponements, according to an exclusive report by Sports Tak.
The proposed tour would feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), with the first half of January emerging as a potential window. Although discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have progressed, neither board has officially confirmed the tour.
The renewed negotiations come amid changes in Bangladesh’s political and cricket administration, with BCB President Tamim Iqbal seeking to rebuild relations with the BCCI following a period of strained ties.
BCCI and BCB work towards January window
Officials from both cricket boards have reached an agreement in principle during a virtual meeting to explore staging the series in early January.
Tamim has also held informal discussions with BCCI representatives during International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meetings, as Bangladesh looks to strengthen its cricketing relationship with India.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal told Prothom Alo: “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.”
One factor supporting the proposed January schedule is the absence of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) from its usual December-January period, creating additional room in Bangladesh’s domestic calendar.
However, India’s international commitments present a significant scheduling challenge. Zimbabwe are due to visit India for three ODIs between January 3 and 9, while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is scheduled to begin on January 21.
If the Bangladesh tour goes ahead in January, India’s scheduled three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe could require rescheduling, although no change has been confirmed.
Government approval remains crucial
The proposed tour also carries diplomatic significance following tensions between India and Bangladesh that have affected their cricketing relationship.
India’s participation will require clearance from the Indian Government, making political approval an important factor alongside the cricket boards’ negotiations.
Bangladesh has undergone a change in government following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s victory in this year’s general elections, while the BCB has also experienced a leadership transition, with former Bangladesh opener Tamim replacing Aminul Islam as President.
Bangladesh Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque told Prothom Alo: “We always want to keep sports outside politics. We want to build friendly relations with our neighbouring countries and strengthen those ties. We are taking India’s proposed cricket tour to Bangladesh seriously. We want them to come and play here, and we also want to visit their country and play there.”
Tour revival follows two postponements
The bilateral series was originally scheduled for 2025, before the BCCI and BCB jointly announced its postponement in July that year, citing international scheduling considerations and the convenience of both teams.
Bangladesh subsequently included India’s visit in its 2026 home calendar, with the series expected to take place in September. That arrangement also failed to materialise, and Tamim confirmed in August that the boards were searching for another suitable window.
Relations between the two cricket boards had also been affected by Bangladesh’s decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India earlier this year.
India last toured Bangladesh in December 2022, when the hosts won the three-match ODI series 2-1 before India secured a 2-0 victory in the subsequent Test series.
The proposed 2027 tour would provide another bilateral white-ball assignment ahead of the ODI World Cup scheduled for October, although the immediate focus remains on finalising dates and obtaining the necessary approvals.
With both boards exploring January as a possible window, the six-match series remains dependent on a workable international schedule and formal confirmation.
