BCCI may call off India tour of Bangladesh; Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli comeback to get delayed: Report

Given that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now only play in ODIs, this would effectively postpone their return to the competitive scene. (BCCI Photo)

India's tour of Bangladesh in August, comprising three ODIs and the same number of T20Is, will be postponed for the foreseeable future as reported by News 18. The series was scheduled to be held between August 17-31.

The report cited sources claiming the reason behind the derailment is security concerns related to Bangladesh's internal upheaval. Among other things, the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government has led to one of the most significant diplomatic impasses in the region, which has strained ties between the neighbors.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are anticipated to jointly issue a statement. The decision will probably be referred to as a "postponement" rather than a cancellation.

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The auction of the tour's media rights, which was supposed to take place on July 7 through technical bidding and July 10 through financial bidding, has also been put on hold by the BCB. Media rights were initially to be sold by the board for a two-year term, running from July 2025 to June 2027. However, as per latest developments only the rights for the three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which is scheduled to be played between July 20–24 in Dhaka, is up for bidding.

According to reports, Indian broadcasters have been notified that the series will not proceed, and an Invitation To Tender (ITT) has not been released either. Although a notification from the BCCI verifying the current situation is anticipated in the upcoming week, the BCB is hopeful of organizing a postponed series.

Given that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now only play in ODIs, this would effectively postpone their return to the competitive scene. However, the Asia Cup, which currently appears certain to proceed, will likely still feature a match between India and Bangladesh in September.

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Because of the long-standing diplomatic and cross-border tensions, India has already severed its bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan. Head coach Gautam Gambhir even publicly called for the team to cease competing against the Men in Green in multi-nation tournaments.

The women's teams of India and Pakistan will, however, face off at the 2025 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in addition to the Asia Cup.