India-Bangladesh cricket ties to recover after Mustafizur, T20 WC row:BCB’s media rights tender sparks hope for white-ball series

After almost a year of strained diplomatic and sports tensions, the cricketing ties between India and Bangladesh are expected to get back to normal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) setting up a 6-match white-ball series, including 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is, between the two nations. Last year, tensions flared between the two nations after extradition demands for Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to her homeland were denied and protests erupted in Dhaka over India’s move. The tensions led to the BCCI cancelling the August 2025-scheduled 6-game white-ball series citing packed international commitments. BCB puts broadcasting rights for matches including India series on sale After cold cancellations of series including 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is, Bangladesh-India experienced a series of dramatic events with Mustafizur Rahman’s snub from Kolkata Knight Riders, and then Bangladesh refusing to participate in T20 World Cup 2026 over security concerns. But with reports of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) again commencing the sale of television and digital media rights, there is hope that the postponed series can go ahead after all. It’s worth noting that BCB paused the sale process of its media rights for the next two years after BCCI cancelled the tour in 2025. So the latest development holds significant importance for India-Bangladesh cricketing relations, especially after the Mustafizur Rahman and T20 World Cup 2026 row. Bangladesh board invites interest letters for bilateral home series media rights The BCB has issued a tender in a communication to Indian broadcasters, inviting expressions of interest for the matches in 2026 and 2027 with a specific mention of the India tour in 2026. As per the Cricbuzz report, the tender reads, “The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) along with financial offers from reputable TV Broadcasters, Digital Platforms and Marketing Agencies / Consortiums / Firms for acquiring the Worldwide Media Rights of the following Bilateral International Home Series.” Also Read: Hardik Pandya to join his mentor MS Dhoni at CSK?:7 IPL franchises in race for Mumbai Indians skipper Notably, in the tender, apart from the West Indies, England and Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, India’s name is mentioned in the confidential document that covers Men in Blue’s 3 ODIs and 3 T20I games. Notably, the bidding process will officially start on 2 July, with 22 July reportedly set as its deadline. BCCI refused SLC’s request for an extra 3 T20Is, stirring speculation On 28 June, the BCCI officially declined a request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to include three additional T20 International matches in India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The proposal, made by SLC earlier this year, was intended as a charity initiative to raise relief funds in the wake of the severe destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lankan cricket officials hoped that hosting the Indian team for a short T20I leg would draw massive crowds and secure vital revenue for recovery efforts. However, that cancellation is now seen in the context of India visiting Bangladesh. Notably, there is almost a two-week window between the end of India’s bilateral series against Sri Lanka and subsequent international commitments. It goes without saying that India tour is like a cash cow, and the BCB was waiting for a formal nod from the BCCI in 2025 to continue the media rights sale. With the Bangladesh board resuming the process now, there are expectations that Indian cricket board might have approved the series behind the curtains.