India could finally make their long-delayed tour of Bangladesh early next year, with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal revealing that discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India have been positive.
The proposed tour consists of three ODIs and three T20Is and has already been postponed from its original schedule.
Tamim said on Monday that the two cricket boards remain in discussions over bringing the series back onto the calendar.
"All I can tell you is that both the cricket boards are in discussion. It is a fruitful talk, and I am hopeful this will happen," Tamim said.
Cricinfo understands that the BCB has received a positive response from the BCCI and that the six-match series is now likely to take place early in 2027.
India-Bangladesh Tour Likely to Go Ahead
The latest development represents a significant change from earlier uncertainty surrounding the series.
The BCB had indicated earlier this month that India's tour could be postponed again, raising doubts over whether the six white-ball matches would take place at all.
However, the latest discussions between the two boards have apparently been encouraging, with Bangladesh now optimistic that India will travel early next year.
No official schedule has yet been announced by either board.
The proposed series will include three ODIs followed by three T20Is, giving both teams valuable white-ball cricket ahead of their respective international commitments.
Tour Has Already Been Delayed Twice
India's proposed Bangladesh tour has been subject to repeated delays.
The series was originally scheduled for August 2025 but was subsequently deferred to September 2026.
Although the BCB confirmed the tour earlier this year, no formal schedule was released, leaving its status uncertain.
The latest indication from the Bangladesh board suggests that the series could now be shifted into early 2027 rather than being cancelled altogether.
Relationship Between BCCI and BCB Has Improved
The uncertainty around the tour came during a difficult period in relations between the BCB and BCCI.
The two boards experienced a significant disagreement following the controversy surrounding Bangladesh all-rounder Mustafizur Rahman's position in the IPL.
The fallout contributed to the Bangladesh interim government instructing the BCB to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Relations have subsequently improved following the restoration of democratic leadership in Bangladesh.
The new Bangladesh government has expressed a desire to resolve outstanding issues with India, while the appointment of former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal as BCB president has also coincided with renewed dialogue between the boards.
Tamim Iqbal's India Visit Strengthened Optimism
Tamim's recent visit to India has further contributed to the improved relationship.
The BCB president travelled to India earlier this month and reportedly visited the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
His visit came as the two boards were attempting to rebuild their relationship and find a solution to the uncertainty surrounding India's Bangladesh tour.
Tamim's latest comments indicate that those discussions have made meaningful progress.
Six White-Ball Matches Could Take Place Early in 2027
If the plans are finalised, India will play six matches during the Bangladesh tour.
The series is expected to comprise:
- Three ODIs
- Three T20Is
The exact dates and venues have not yet been confirmed.
The BCB will now hope the positive discussions translate into a formal schedule, bringing an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty over the tour.
For Bangladesh, hosting India would be a major boost both commercially and from a cricketing perspective.
For India, the series would provide another opportunity to strengthen their white-ball combinations while maintaining their international schedule.
Official Confirmation Still Awaited
Despite the growing optimism from the BCB, the tour is not yet officially confirmed.
Tamim has described the discussions as fruitful, while reports indicate that the BCCI has responded positively. However, the two boards still need to finalise the schedule before the series can be considered confirmed.
After being postponed from 2025 and facing further uncertainty in 2026, Bangladesh will be hoping this latest round of talks finally delivers a concrete agreement.
