India to Tour Bangladesh in September 2026 for ODI, T20 Series Amid Escalated Tensions

India's limited-overs tour of Bangladesh has officially been scheduled for September 2026, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board announcing dates for three One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.

While the fixtures are now in place, uncertainty remains over India's travel due to the prevailing political situation in Bangladesh and the absence of a stable government.

Series schedule announced by Bangladesh Cricket Board

According to the itinerary released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the ODI series will be played on September 1, 3 and 6. The T20I matches are scheduled for September 9, 12 and 13. The Indian team is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28 ahead of the white-ball series.

"The confirmed itinerary ensures a season full of international cricket in Bangladesh, providing supporters across the country the opportunity to watch top-level cricket at home. Details of match venues will be announced in due course," the BCB said in its statement on Friday.

Tour deferred earlier due to political unrest

India's tour was originally planned for August 2025 but was postponed following political unrest in Bangladesh. Both cricket boards had mutually agreed to shift the series by more than a year after reviewing scheduling constraints and security considerations.

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have mutually agreed to defer the white-ball series, three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals, between Bangladesh and India in August 2025 to September 2026," the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in a statement last July.

"This decision has been reached following discussions between the two Boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams."

"The BCB looks forward to welcoming India in September 2026 for this eagerly anticipated series. Revised dates and fixtures for the tour will be announced in due course," the statement added.

India's match itinerary and return plans

The ODI leg will open the tour on September 1, followed by matches on September 3 and September 6. After a short break, the T20I series will begin on September 9, with the remaining games scheduled for September 12 and September 13. The Indian squad is expected to return home shortly after the conclusion of the final T20I.

Mustafizur Rahman IPL signing adds to discussions

Away from the bilateral series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has declined to comment on the participation of Bangladeshi players in the Indian Premier League. Sources have indicated that no official communication has been received from the government regarding restrictions on Bangladeshi cricketers.

The issue gained attention following the signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders at last month's IPL mini-auction. Rahman was bought for Rs 9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.

The move triggered debate amid reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, leading to questions over his participation in IPL 2026.

Responding to the matter, a BCCI source told IANS, "Let's not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players from participating in the IPL... Can't comment much as of now."