THE BANGLADESH CRICKET BOARD (BCB) has initiated the commercial process for India’s scheduled white-ball tour of Bangladesh by inviting bids for the worldwide television and digital media rights for the six-match series. The move is being viewed as the strongest indication yet that the bilateral assignment, which was postponed amid diplomatic tensions, is back on track for September 2026.
In a tender issued to broadcasters, digital platforms and marketing agencies, the BCB has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) along with financial offers for the worldwide media rights to several home international series across 2026 and 2027. At the top of the list is India’s tour of Bangladesh, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The board has set July 22 as the deadline for submitting bids, with the tender documents available from July 2.
The series was originally scheduled for 2025 but was postponed following diplomatic issues between India and Bangladesh. Since then, both Bangladesh’s government and the BCB administration have undergone changes, while cricketing ties between the two countries have remained uncertain. Although neither the BCB nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the tour will proceed, the decision to market the media rights suggests preparations are well underway.
Recent comments from BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia have also fuelled optimism. He indicated that the Indian board’s position would be guided by the advice of the Government of India rather than the composition of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, leaving the door open for the tour to take place if the necessary clearances are obtained.
Another factor strengthening the possibility of the series is the availability of a suitable window in India’s international calendar. The BCCI recently declined Sri Lanka Cricket’s request to add three extra T20Is to India’s scheduled August tour of Sri Lanka, potentially leaving room for the Bangladesh assignment in September.
Beyond the India series, the BCB’s media rights package includes Bangladesh’s home Test series against the West Indies in 2026, a two-Test series against England in 2027, and a five-match ODI series against Pakistan in 2027. Packaging multiple bilateral series together is expected to enhance the commercial value of the rights package and attract interest from broadcasters and digital streaming platforms across international markets.
From a sports business perspective, the tender represents a significant commercial step for the BCB. Matches involving India are among the most valuable bilateral cricket properties globally, generating substantial revenues through broadcast rights, advertising, sponsorships and digital streaming. Successfully concluding the media rights sale would provide a major financial boost to Bangladesh cricket while also restoring one of the region’s most commercially attractive bilateral rivalries.
