India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, originally scheduled for August 2025, has officially been postponed to September 2026. In the wake of this development, at least two cricket boards, including Sri Lanka, have proposed hosting a limited-overs series to fill the gap in India’s calendar.
India was initially set to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Bangladesh next month. However, following the postponement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has offered to step in and host a similar six-match white-ball series during the same window.
“We’ve received a few requests from boards that are free during that period. We’re currently exploring our options,” a BCCI source confirmed to India Today.
BCCI Raises Concerns Over ACC Meeting Venue
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally objected to the venue for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka. Citing the current political situation in Bangladesh, the BCCI has requested that the meeting be relocated and has even suggested a possible withdrawal if the venue remains unchanged.
“Given the political uncertainty in Bangladesh, it’s not appropriate for us to travel there right now. We’ve asked the ACC to shift the meeting,” the official added.
Asia Cup in UAE? BCCI Awaits Government Nod
As for the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to kick off on September 5 in the UAE, the BCCI is expected to consult the Indian government before confirming participation — especially in light of recent developments, including the Pahalgam terror attack.
A potential India vs Pakistan clash is pencilled in for September 7, making the tournament a marquee event in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, which India will host in early 2026.
“The Asia Cup was planned in the UAE even before recent events. Now, we’ll go by what the government advises,” said the source.
Government Clears Visas for Pakistan Hockey Team
Interestingly, the Indian government recently approved visas for the Pakistan men’s junior hockey team to participate in the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in India. Unlike cricket, hockey is an Olympic sport, and denying entry could have resulted in sanctions from the sport’s global body.
