The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to defer its scheduled September tour of Ireland, clearing the window to host the India national cricket team for a crucial six-match white-ball series later this year. The move underscores the growing importance of the India series in Bangladesh’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Originally slated for 2025, India’s tour was postponed and has now been rescheduled for late August to mid-September 2026. As per the revised itinerary, India will arrive in Bangladesh on August 28 to play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on September 1, 3, and 6, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) on September 9, 12, and 13.
A senior official from the BCB confirmed that once the India tour was shifted to September, the board approached Cricket Ireland to explore alternative dates for the Ireland series. However, due to Ireland’s packed Future Tours Programme (FTP), rescheduling within 2026 was not feasible, leading both boards to mutually defer the series, likely to 2027.
The decision places the India series at the centre of Bangladesh’s cricketing calendar during a critical phase. With qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup on the line, Bangladesh is aiming to maximise its opportunities in the 50-over format. The team recently climbed to ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings and remains in contention for direct qualification, which is reserved for the top eight teams by March 31, 2027.
With the Ireland tour postponed, Bangladesh is expected to focus on high-profile series against teams like New Zealand, Australia, and India at home, along with away assignments in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These fixtures are seen as vital in boosting ranking points and ensuring consistent match practice ahead of the qualification cut-off.
However, the India tour is still subject to clearance from the Government of India due to ongoing diplomatic considerations. Any further delay could impact Bangladesh’s preparation schedule and limit their ODI exposure before the World Cup qualification deadline.
For now, the rescheduled India series represents a major strategic shift in Bangladesh’s planning, highlighting its significance not just as a bilateral contest but as a key step in the team’s journey towards securing a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup
