Bangladesh-India cricket series still under discussion, says BCB president Tamim Iqbal
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal has said that the proposed white-ball series against India remains under discussion, with both boards sincere about finding a suitable date despite a history of strained relations and scheduling challenges.
Speaking on the podcastNot Out Noman, Iqbal said the three ODIs and three T20Is, originally planned for August 2025 and later shifted to September, are still not confirmed but have not been cancelled either.
"That it (India series) won't happen hasn't been decided yet," he said. "Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens. Both BCCI and BCB are looking at windows as well, which time what can be done."
He added: "If I saw the intention was negative, then today I wouldn't even have said this word to you, 'Let's see what happens, we're hopeful.' Intentions are very positive."
Iqbal said the two boards are in constant communication and are figuring out dates, though Bangladesh's own schedule is busy. "There are certain things that are beyond our control. And I never want to cross that line as BCB president," he said. "But intentions are good, we are continuously communicating. Dates are also being figured out because Bangladesh is also busy."
The BCCI had earlier indicated the series would take place in September, but India have a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting September 13 in the same window. There has been no immediate response from the BCCI regarding a new date.
The delay is rooted in a broader diplomatic and cricketing fallout. Dhaka and New Delhi have been at odds since a 2024 mass uprising toppled then-Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India and remains in hiding. In February, Bangladesh refused to send a team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. The decision came after the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, a move that angered Bangladesh. The ICC rejected Bangladesh's request to move their World Cup matches out of India, and Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament.
Iqbal acknowledged that Bangladesh could have handled the situation better. "I feel that we could have negotiated the thing much better," he said. "But we are going to play a World Cup. Every single person in Bangladesh celebrated like anything when we first qualified for the World Cup."
He also emphasised that sports should remain separate from politics, citing Iran playing in America during an ongoing war between two countries. "Sports should remain as sports," he said.
India last toured Bangladesh for a cricket series in 2022, while Bangladesh visited India in September-October 2024.
In related remarks, Iqbal revealed that the BCB has charged several individuals over involvement in fixing scandals during the Bangladesh Premier League. "We have already given out a press release mentioning four-five of them. Four-five more names will be revealed. There is an issue with integrity," he said.