A planned cricket series between India and Bangladesh is reportedly in jeopardy due to deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations. The series, which was scheduled to take place from August 17 to 31, included three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
The uncertainty surrounding the tour has led to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pausing the sale of its media rights, a strong indication that the tour will be either cancelled or postponed. An Indian broadcaster told Cricbuzz that the BCB has informed them that there is no India series and that they did not release the Invitation to Tender (ITT) after announcing the tender. The ITT, which was to be available between June 15 and July 6 for a fee, has also been deferred. The BCB is reportedly moving forward with media rights sales only for the Pakistan series.
Sources suggest that the primary reason for the potential cancellation is the shifting political situation in Bangladesh, particularly following the recent change in government. This political transition has allegedly resulted in a cooling of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Behind the scenes, the Indian government is reportedly advising the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) against sending the national team to Bangladesh under the current circumstances.
The postponement of this series also impacts the return of veteran Indian players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket. Both players, who now primarily play in the ODI format, were expected to make their comeback in this series. With the series likely to be cancelled, their return to the Indian team will be further delayed.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense sports rivalries in the world. Matches between the two teams are among the most-viewed sporting events. The tense relations between the two nations, stemming from diplomatic issues and conflicts since the Partition of British India in 1947, have contributed to this fierce rivalry. While India has refused to play bilateral or ICC events in Pakistan, it continues to play Pakistan in neutral venues. This approach is driven by capital and nationalism, with media discourses often using war metaphors to fuel nationalist sentiments.
"Cricket diplomacy" has been used in the past to improve relations between India and Pakistan. In 1987, Pakistan's President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq visited India to watch a test match, which helped ease tensions at a time of heightened conflict over Kashmir. Similarly, in 2005, General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan visited India for a cricket match, leading to discussions on resolving the Kashmir dispute.
However, political events have also led to the interruption of cricketing ties. The 1999 Kargil War and the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks are examples of events that have negatively impacted cricketing relations between the two nations.
Despite the current uncertainty, BCB media committee chairman Iftikhar Rahman stated that cancellation is not an option, as the tour is part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, he acknowledged that the tour may be rescheduled to a mutually convenient time. The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement. If government clearance is not granted soon, Kohli and Rohit's return to Indian colors could be delayed until the three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19.
