India's tour of Bangladesh: BCCI opts to postpone the white-ball series on political grounds

On expected lines, India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh, scheduled in August, has been postponed. According to reports, the current timeframe of postponement is a year although more details are awaited on this. An official statement is expected from the BCCI and BCB regarding the update on this series.

 

According to Cricbuzz, the decision was made due to political reasons. The series was to feature three ODIs and as many T20Is. Political relations between India and Bangladesh have declined in recent times, particularly since the former's tensions with Pakistan escalated in April.

Meanwhile, the political scenario in Bangladesh also continues to be volatile. On Friday (June 30), Bangladesh had started the murder trial of student activist Abu Sayeed whose death in 2024 sparked nationwide protests and the subsequent eviction of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League party. 

 

According to the chargesheet filed by chief prosecutor Tajul Islam, Sayeed's murder was part of a systematic crackdown that was initiated by Sheikh Haseena and executed by the top brass of police.

 

Ever since the chargesheet has become public, Bangladesh has seen a surge in protests and the condition in the country is currently very fragile. BCB chief Aminul Islam was still hopeful of the series happening although he too was aware that the initial schedule might probably not happen. The BCCI and BCB were in constant discussions in recent weeks with a call-off always seeming like the likely possibility.

 

Considering all factors, it isn't surprising that the tour has been called-off for now. Whether the India-Bangladesh rivalry will go the India-Pakistan way remains to be seen. There is also a lot of doubt regarding the upcoming Asia Cup in such a scenario, although the ACC and ICC sounded confident of organising it smoothly.

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