India-Bangladesh cricket ties back on track? BCB's media rights tender sparks hope

Mumbai: Are India set to play Bangladesh in a white-ball bilateral series in September, marking the resumption of cricketing ties between the two neighbouring nations?After almost a year of strained diplomatic and cricketing relations, ties between India and Bangladesh may finally be getting back on track, with the prospects of a six-match white-ball series—comprising three ODIs and three T20Is—looking increasingly bright.While the BCCI has refused to comment on the matter, the latest development suggests that the ice may finally have been broken between the two countries and their cricket boards. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday floated a tender for the television and digital media rights for the proposed white-ball series.Addressing Indian broadcasters, the BCB has invited expressions of interest for its home international cricket rights for 2026 and 2027, specifically mentioning India's tour of Bangladesh in 2026.Political tensions between the two countries had led to the BCCI 'postponing' the six-match white-ball series, citing a packed international calendar in August last year.The postponement was followed by a series of developments, including Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's withdrawal from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad during the IPL, and Bangladesh later refusing to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns.However, a thaw appears to be developing in cricketing ties between the two nations. One indication was the BCCI's refusal to accommodate a request from Sri Lanka Cricket to schedule three additional T20Is during India's tour of Sri Lanka later next month, after the two-Test series.The tender, published on the BCB website, states: "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) along with financial offers from reputable TV Broadcasters, Digital Platforms and Marketing Agencies / Consortiums / Firms for acquiring the Worldwide Media Rights of the following Bilateral International Home Series."Notably, the confidential tender document mentions India's proposed tour of Bangladesh, alongside the scheduled home series against the West Indies, England and Pakistan. The bidding process will officially begin on July 2, with July 22 set as the deadline.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had recently told PTI that the Indian board was not concerned with the regime in Bangladesh and would instead follow the Indian government's directive while taking a call on playing a bilateral series against the neighbouring nation.As per the itinerary released earlier by the BCB, the Indian team is expected to arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The three ODIs are scheduled for September 1, 3 and 6, while the three T20Is will be played on September 9, 12 and 13.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.