India's tour of Bangladesh could be back, January window being explored

Team India could finally tour Bangladesh in January 2027 for three ODIs and three T20Is after two postponements. The Indian government will have the final say, while the proposed tour could force a reshuffle of India's January schedule.India could go on a white-ball tour to Bangladesh in January 2027. (Image: Reuters)New Delhi,Nov 5, 2026 19:23 ISTAfter a long wait and two postponements, Team India's tour of Bangladesh could finally go ahead in January 2027, with the first week of the month emerging as a possible window for the six-match white-ball assignment.While neither the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed the development, sources indicate that discussions between the two boards are progressing positively and the tour could become a reality.The proposed series will comprise three ODIs and three T20Is. However, finding a suitable window could prove challenging, with Zimbabwe scheduled to tour India for a three-match ODI series from January 3 to 9, followed by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 21.GOVT NOD REMAINS KEYGiven the breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries, the final go-ahead will have to come from the Indian government. The BCCI is understood to be awaiting the necessary clearance before the proposed tour can be finalised. There could, however, be a change in the atmosphere surrounding bilateral cricketing ties following the political transition in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's victory in this year's general elections has brought a change in the country's leadership, raising hopes of a possible reset in relations between the two cricket boards.India's tour was initially postponed in July last year, while Bangladesh's decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India this year further strained relations between the BCCI and BCB.TAMIM LOOKING TO RESET BILATERAL TIES The Bangladesh board has also undergone a significant leadership change, with former opener Tamim Iqbal replacing former captain Aminul Islam as president. Sources indicate that Tamim is keen to rebuild relations with the BCCI, not only through bilateral cricket but also at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) levels.A leading Bangladesh daily, Prothom Alo, quoted BCB president Tamim Iqbal as expressing optimism about India's visit, indicating that discussions between the two boards were moving in the right direction."We are discussing a window. Given how our discussions with the BCCI are progressing, I am hopeful that the Indian team will come to Bangladesh for the series. Both Boards are working with a positive mindset," Tamim was quoted as saying.ZIMBABWE SERIES MAY BE RESCHEDULEDIf India's Bangladesh tour goes ahead, the immediate question will be what happens to the scheduled ODI series against Zimbabwe. Sources suggest that the three-match assignment could be rescheduled to accommodate the Bangladesh tour, although no official decision has been announced.India's preparations for the Australia series will also have to be factored into the revised schedule, with the team expected to begin its Test preparations ahead of the January 21 assignment.India last toured Bangladesh in December 2022, when they played three ODIs and two Tests. If the proposed January assignment gets the green light, it will mark India's return to Bangladesh for bilateral cricket after more than four years.- Ends