Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal has sought support from the Bangladesh government as the board steps up efforts to ensure India’s scheduled white-ball tour proceeds in September, highlighting how the fate of the bilateral series now extends beyond discussions between the two cricket boards.
According to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Atif Azam, Tamim and BCB Security Committee Chairman Sayeed Ibrahim met Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam as the board sought to use diplomatic channels to help move the long-delayed series towards confirmation. Bangladesh is still awaiting formal clarity over the proposed three-match ODI and three-match T20I tour.
The BCB President subsequently confirmed the meeting, although he declined to provide additional details about the discussions.
Government engagement adds fresh momentum
The latest development comes as optimism has gradually grown around the possibility of India travelling to Bangladesh after the series was previously postponed amid political uncertainty.
The meeting also coincided with improving diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at the foreign office, as quoted by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said, “We both agree that our two countries’ relations should move forward, keeping mutual interests at the forefront and, as I always say, on the basis of sovereign equality.”
When asked about India’s invitation to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit, Rahman told reporters, “We are currently reviewing it.” He added, “We will take a decision and inform you immediately once that decision is made.”
Those developments have fuelled renewed confidence that the bilateral series could still take place, although no official confirmation has yet been issued.
BCB continues preparations
As previously reported by cricexec, Tamim recently expressed optimism that India would travel to Bangladesh while acknowledging that the final decision extended beyond the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s authority. He also stressed that the board was doing everything within its remit to help facilitate the tour, while recognising that broader government-level considerations would ultimately shape the outcome.
The latest meeting with senior government officials represents a further step in that process, underscoring the BCB’s determination to keep preparations moving while awaiting a decision.
Separately, Tamim is also scheduled to visit the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru during a personal trip to India as part of Bangladesh’s long-term plans to strengthen its own high-performance infrastructure. Sources indicated the visit is unrelated to the proposed bilateral series.
Security remains a central focus
Bangladesh officials have also continued to emphasise their readiness to host the Indian team should the tour receive the necessary approvals.
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, BCB Security Committee Chairman Sayeed Ibrahim said, “Security is always a concern for every touring side, especially for the major cricketing nations. We have not yet formally started communication with them (BCCI). We are hopeful there will be no complaints if the tour takes place as planned.”
Providing an update on preparations, Ibrahim added, “There has been no such positive message yet (with the BCCI) and we are still working out the details of the tour. We are trying to establish communication through our formal channels because the tour is coming up very soon.”
While discussions between the relevant stakeholders continue, the proposed September series remains subject to the necessary approvals, with both cricket boards awaiting further clarity before the tour can be formally confirmed.
