India’s much-anticipated white-ball tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for August 2025, is now under clouds of doubt. The series, which was set to feature three ODIs and three T20Is between August 17 and 31, appears to be postponed due to deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations. While no official cancellation has been announced, multiple indicators suggest that the tour is effectively off for now.
Political Roadblocks and Media Rights Freeze
The first major sign of trouble came when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paused its media rights sale for the series. Originally planned for July 7 and 10, the technical and financial bidding processes were halted, with broadcasters informed that the India series would not proceed. The BCB has instead shifted focus to selling rights for the Pakistan T20I series scheduled in July, further confirming the India tour’s suspension.
Sources indicate that the Indian government has advised the BCCI against proceeding with the tour due to the political fallout following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh. This has triggered one of the region’s most significant diplomatic stand-offs in recent years, affecting bilateral engagements, including sporting events.
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What’s Next for the India Tour of Bangladesh 2025?
Despite the current impasse, both boards remain hopeful of rescheduling the series. A BCB official stated that the tour is part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), and while August may no longer be feasible, cancellation isn’t on the table. The BCCI is expected to issue a formal statement soon, possibly in coordination with the BCB.
Meanwhile, fans hoping to see the return of ODI specialists Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to wait longer. The duo, who now only feature in the 50-over format, were expected to make their comeback in this series. Their next likely appearance could be during India’s tour of Australia in October.
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India Tour of Bangladesh 2025: Key Series Details (Tentative)
Here’s a snapshot of the originally scheduled fixtures:
| Match Type | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Aug 17 | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur |
| 2nd ODI | Aug 20 | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur |
| 3rd ODI | Aug 23 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram |
| 1st T20I | Aug 26 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram |
| 2nd T20I | Aug 29 | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur |
| 3rd T20I | Aug 31 | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur |
Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in India Tour of Bangladesh 2025?
While cricket fans across both nations await clarity, the India-Bangladesh series hangs in limbo. However, there is some good news for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s fans. The two stalwarts of Indian cricket will be available to play in the 3-match ODI series, if the tour goes ahead as planned. After announcing their sudden retirement from T20Is post India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup last year, and from Test cricket right ahead of the ongoing India’s tour of England, the two star batters are now only available to play in ODI cricket for Team India.
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