BCB writes to Indian Cricket Board requesting improvement in relations

Sports Desk

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken the initiative to thaw the ice in cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh. After refusing to play in India in this year’s T20 World Cup, the BCB is now looking to reduce the cricketing bitterness between the two countries and restore the old good relations. After the formation of a new government in Bangladesh, a formal letter has been sent from the BCB to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

It is worth noting that during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated significantly. This had a direct impact on the cricket field. The situation further deteriorated when Kolkata Knight Riders, on the indirect instructions of the BCCI, cancelled the IPL contract with Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. In protest, the BCB refused to send their team to India to participate in the World Cup. Later, with the intervention of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Scotland was included in the World Cup instead of Bangladesh.

Sources close to the BCCI confirmed to Indian media outlet Dainik Jagran that the BCB’s letter has reminded them of the old and long-standing friendship between the two boards. The letter specifically requested discussions on the Indian team’s tour of Bangladesh. Last year, India was scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is, but the BCCI postponed it to September this year. However, due to diplomatic tensions, that tour was also on the verge of cancellation. Besides, Bangladesh is the host of next year’s Asia Cup. If India does not agree to go to Bangladesh, the tournament may have to be shifted to Sri Lanka or Dubai.

A BCB official confirmed the letter and said it was part of a routine process. However, according to cricket analysts, Bangladesh has been the worst hit by the strained relationship. After Aminul Islam Bulbul took charge of the BCB in 2025, the stance taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board to boycott the tournament in harmony with the country’s cricket board has effectively backfired. Pakistan eventually lost to India, but Bangladesh was eliminated from the tournament.

A BCCI official said, “We have received the letter. However, we are waiting for the green signal from the Indian government before taking any final decision. It is not possible to make any promises about cricket tours without discussions with the government.”

New government’s activities After the new government led by Tarique Rahman took office, there has been a wind of change in the sports field as well. Sports Minister Aminul Haque has taken personal initiatives to restore cricketing ties with India. He believes that it is important to maintain good relations with neighbors and resolve sports issues diplomatically. To this end, he has already met with the Indian High Commissioner and has indicated that he will revamp the internal affairs of the BCB.