New Delhi: In a development which could bring about a thaw in the relationship between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Indian cricket board (BCCI) after a year’s uncertainty, TOI understands that both boards are working on an itinerary for India’s tour of Bangladesh in the first half of Sept.
It has been learnt that the BCCI is set to push back the thre-match T20I series against Afghanistan to be held in Delhi to clear a window for a white-ball series in Bangladesh. The eventual nod for the series will come from the Indian govt, but the boards want to make sure everything is ready when the approval comes.
India refused to tour Bangladesh last year due to diplomatic tensions which was followed by Bangladesh forfeiting their place in the T20 World Cup in India after Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL in Jan.
TOI understands that the BCB has kept all its venues free from Sept 1 as it is proposing a few combinations for BCCI to choose as per convenience. India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka is due to end on Aug 27. If the series against Afghanistan is pushed back, that could open up a two-week window in Sept. The Afghanistan series, to be hosted by Afghanistan Cricket Board, was scheduled to start from Sept 13.
“BCB is also fine with the idea of holding all matches at one venue. They ideally prefer three T20Is at one venue and three ODIs in another. Dhaka and Chattogram are the leading venues. Playing just one format was a possibility too. The two boards held discussions on the sidelines of the recent ICC meet in London. India’s commitment to Afghanistan is a hurdle that was discussed. But the tour is subject to govt approval,” a BCCI source told TOI.
The BCCI had informed the selectors about the Afghanistan series, but an official announcement of Afghanistan hosting India in Delhi was delayed for this reason. It is now learnt that preparations for that series have been pushed back. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, answering to a query on the relationship with Bangladesh post the Mustafizur episode, had told TOI in May that the BCCI has decided to move on from the bygones and the board intends to build healthy relationships with other member boards.
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