Shakib al Hasan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Source: AFP)
The India tour of Bangladesh 2026 has faced another major setback, with doubts growing over whether the white-ball series will take place in September.
The tour, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, was originally scheduled for 2025 before being pushed back because of political tensions, security concerns and scheduling difficulties.
The latest development involving former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Shakib Al Hasan has further complicated matters.
Although the series has not been officially cancelled, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official has admitted that the chances of the India-Bangladesh Series taking place now look more difficult than ever before.
India Tour Of Bangladesh 2026 Cancelled?
A senior BCB official told Cricbuzz that he is no longer confident the series will take place. The official also said the recent political developments had increased uncertainty and suggested there was little time left to receive a clear response from the Indian side.
“I am doubtful about the series now after all the recent development,” the official said on Saturday.
“I don't think we will get any response from the other side (as far as the series is concerned) and truth be told, it was supposed to happen by August 28, how many days do we have left?” he asked.
According to the official, the board had done everything possible from its end, but the situation was now beyond its control.
The BCB is therefore hoping for a change in circumstances, but there has been no indication that the situation will improve soon.
“I don't think so (that the series will proceed as planned). We tried our best on behalf of the cricket board but this is beyond all of us at this point,” he said, adding that until it is officially called off, all they can do is hope.
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What Led To Latest Uncertainty Over India-Bangladesh Series Cancellation?
The latest concern followed a press conference involving Sheikh Hasina in Delhi on August 5. The former Bangladesh leader addressed the media online for the first time since her government was removed.
Shakib Al Hasan also joined the event virtually while he was in Sri Lanka for franchise cricket commitments. His appearance alongside Hasina attracted considerable attention in Bangladesh because of the political nature of the event.
The development was followed by a strong reaction from the Bangladesh government both on Sheikh Hasina and Shakib Al Hasan.
Could The Political Fallout Force The India-Bangladesh Series To Be Called Off?
The latest diplomatic tension and the meeting involving Sheikh Hasina and Shakib Al Hasan could prove to be a major setback for the BCB, which had been hoping to rebuild cricketing ties with India.
The board had reasons to remain optimistic after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party came to power following the February general election. There was renewed hope that relations between India and Bangladesh would improve under the new political setup.
It is important to mention that BCB president Tamim Iqbal had also reportedly been keen to ensure that India visited Bangladesh.
However, the situation changed after the latest developments involving Sheikh Hasina and Shakib Al Hasan.
What Led To Delay Of The India Tour Of Bangladesh 2026?
India was initially scheduled to travel to Bangladesh in August 2025 for the six-game white-ball tour. The tour was later moved to September 2026.
Political unrest and security concerns in Bangladesh were among the major factors behind the original postponement. The busy international calendar also made it difficult for the BCCI and BCB to find another suitable window.
Tensions increased further after Bangladesh declined to play its scheduled T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India.
The release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract by KKR also created controversy.
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