Earlier this year, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that India would travel to Bangladesh in August-September 2026 to play three ODIs and three T20Is. The series was originally scheduled for 2025 but was postponed due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Although doubts resurfaced in recent weeks following a temporary pause in the sale of the series' media rights, the tour has returned to the spotlight after changes to India's tour schedule of Sri Lanka.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Bangladesh's State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, said the government considers sports diplomacy a top priority and remains hopeful that the series will take place.
"The current government attaches the highest importance to sports diplomacy. Cricket is a matter of prestige for us, and Bangladesh has established a strong position in world cricket. We have already spoken with the Indian High Commission, and they have also been in contact with us. Everyone is looking forward to India's tour of Bangladesh in September," Aminul said.
According to the minister, the tour would have significance beyond cricket and could help strengthen bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries through sports diplomacy.
"We believe the tensions created by a minor incident in the past can be overcome if India visits Bangladesh. We hope sports diplomacy, mutual engagement and the ongoing relationship between the two countries will continue to move forward," he added.
Earlier, the BCB said it was prepared to implement additional security measures if required for the series. However, the recent suspension of the media rights bidding process has once again sparked speculation over the status of the tour.
