IND vs BAN: BCB Announces Packed 2026 Season, Confirms India Tour After Security Concerns

IND vs BAN: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has released its international calendar for 2026, confirming a home series against India later in the year. According to the schedule, the Indian men's team

will tour Bangladesh in August-September 2026 for three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals, effectively replacing an identical tour that was originally planned for 2025 but never materialised.

The BCB clarified that the 2026 tour takes the place of last year's postponed series, which was officially deferred due to scheduling challenges. However, the delay had come against the backdrop of political instability in Bangladesh, with reports at the time suggesting that security concerns played a role in India's hesitation to travel.

The announcement arrives amid heightened sensitivities in India regarding Bangladesh-related issues. In recent weeks, certain groups have voiced strong opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to include Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman in their IPL 2026 squad. The backlash, fuelled by reports of violence against minority Hindu communities in Bangladesh, has led to calls for boycotts and protests, though neither the BCCI nor the IPL has issued an official statement on the matter.

India were initially scheduled to visit Bangladesh in August 2025, but both boards released a joint note stating the tour had been pushed back due to "international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience" of the teams.

As per a report by News18 that the BCCI had reservations about the prevailing security situation following political upheaval in the country. More recently, a planned series between the Indian and Bangladeshi women's teams was also shelved without a formal explanation, with India instead playing Sri Lanka in a five-match series, which Harmanpreet Kaur's side won 5-0.

As per the newly released itinerary, the Indian team is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28. The ODI matches are scheduled for September 1, 3, and 6, followed by the T20I fixtures on September 9, 12, and 13.

The BCB's 2026 calendar also outlines bilateral commitments against Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, and the West Indies across formats.

"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, while details of match venues will be announced in due course," the board said in a statement.