BCB Confident of Hosting India in September, Awaits Better Broadcast Deal

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is hopeful that the postponed white-ball tour of India will take place in September 2026, even as it continues to discuss media rights ahead of the July 22 bidding deadline. If the tour goes ahead as planned, India will play three ODIs on September 1, 3 and 6, followed by three T20 matches on September 9, 12 and 13. It will also be the first bilateral T20I series to be played in Bangladesh between the two teams.

The BCB had launched the bidding process for the media rights by issuing a tender notice on July 1 but had not released the official Expression of Interest (EoI) documents, leaving broadcasters from several countries, especially India, waiting for more details. Television channels, digital streaming platforms and marketing agencies interested in acquiring global media rights have until July 22 to submit their bids.

A senior BCB official said the board is confident that the scheduled tour of India will take place. The official added that more time is being taken before releasing the EoI documents so that the board can get the best possible offers from interested broadcasters, putting aside concerns about whether the series will go ahead.

BCB Takes Cautious Approach to Media Rights

According to BCB sources, the board is taking a cautious approach after studying the market. By delaying the release of bidding documents, it wants to understand the level of interest before starting the formal process, which aims to get better value for the media rights. After postponing the original August 2025 tour, the board is also trying to make the most of the rescheduled series from a financial point of view.

The BCCI has taken a cautious approach to confirming the tour. Board secretary Devjit Saikia said that any decision on bilateral cricket with Bangladesh will be taken as per the Indian government’s policy.

“The BCCI is a cricket governing body, and we have no connection with what is happening politically in other countries. Our job is to run cricket. Whenever there is a scheduled tour of a foreign country for bilateral matches, we will go ahead as per our plans and schedule,” BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia said.

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Focus Shifts to Final Preparations for the Tour

The next step will be to complete the media rights process by July 22. Once that is done, the broadcast agreements are expected to provide more clarity on venues, team squads and other travel arrangements.

The two boards are likely to work together on the remaining preparations before September. India are currently scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28, which will give both teams time to prepare before the opening ODI.

The tour now depends on the completion of the media rights process and final approval from both boards. If all goes as planned, India and Bangladesh will meet in a six-match white-ball series that could strengthen bilateral ties and give fans the first T20I series between the teams in Bangladesh.

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