The uncertainty surrounding India’s proposed Bangladesh tour appears far from over, with the September ODI series now facing fresh doubts amid growing political tensions between the two countries.According to cricket website Cricbuzz, the chances of India travelling to Bangladesh for the series have diminished significantly due to the recent political developments. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, has yet to give up hope and remains keen to host the series in September.The situation became more complicated after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and several members of her party were given an opportunity to address a virtual press conference from Delhi on August 5.On August 8, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said it would be unreasonable for Bangladesh to expect friendly relations with India if Hasina was allowed to make statements from Delhi aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s democracy and creating instability in the country.According to BCB sources, Hasina’s remarks have made the prospect of India’s September tour even more difficult. BCB officials had hoped cricket could help ease tensions between the two countries, while hosting India would also have been financially significant for the board.BCB president Tamim Iqbal had been making efforts to ensure the series goes ahead. India’s global popularity and commercial value make an Indian tour highly attractive for cricket boards around the world.Asked about the series, Tamim told Samakal, “I have said before that I have limitations in this matter. As BCB president, I have gone as far as I could. I don’t want to cross that limit. The cricket board remains in regular contact with the BCCI. India-Bangladesh series are always enjoyable. At this moment, I cannot say anything more specific.”A senior BCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he had become doubtful about the series following the latest developments.“After everything that has happened recently, I am now doubtful about the series. I don’t think we will receive any response from India regarding the series. Honestly, a decision on whether to hold the series was expected by August 28. How many days do we have left?” he said.Asked whether the series would go ahead as originally planned, the official replied, “I don’t think so.”He added that the BCB had made every possible effort, but the situation was now beyond the board’s control.“Until it is officially cancelled, we can only keep hoping,” he said.India last toured Bangladesh for a bilateral series in December 2022. If the current tensions deepen, the two sides could face an even longer wait for their next bilateral cricket series.
সহজ ও দ্রুত খবরের আপডেট পেতে আমাদের অ্যাপটি ইন্সটল করুন।
