IND vs BAN Series / India to Tour Bangladesh for Six-Match ODI and T20 Series in September

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled its cricket schedule, confirming that the Indian cricket team will embark on a tour to Bangladesh in September, while this much-anticipated tour will feature a total of six matches, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), setting the stage for another exciting chapter in the cricketing rivalry between the two nations. The announcement, made by the BCB on January 2nd, outlines. A packed schedule that promises intense competition and high-stakes encounters.

Series Schedule Details

According to the schedule released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the One-Day International series will kick off on September 1st. The subsequent ODI matches are slated for September 3rd and September 6th, ensuring a quick succession of 50-over contests. Following the conclusion of the ODI series, the focus will shift to the shortest format of the game. The three-match T20 International series is scheduled to commence on September 9th, with the remaining matches to be played on September 12th and September 13th, while this compact schedule means that both teams will have little time to rest, demanding peak performance throughout the tour.

Controversies Surrounding Bangladeshi Players

The announcement of this series comes at a time when relations between the two cricketing nations have been somewhat strained, particularly due to recent events surrounding Bangladeshi players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A significant point of contention has been the acquisition of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a substantial sum of 9. 2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. While Mustafizur was the only Bangladeshi cricketer to secure a spot in the IPL, his selection has ignited considerable debate and opposition within India.

BCCI's Stance on Player Participation

The decision by KKR to purchase Mustafizur Rahman has not been met with universal approval in India, while there has been a notable backlash against the Kolkata Knight Riders, with various political figures and social commentators voicing their disapproval. Comments have even been directed towards Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is the co-owner of KKR, highlighting the intensity of the sentiment surrounding the issue. This controversy underscores the complex interplay of sports, politics, and public sentiment in the region.

Despite the ongoing controversies and the heated atmosphere on social media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained a clear and firm stance. The BCCI has explicitly stated that there will be no ban imposed on Bangladeshi players participating in Indian cricket leagues or tours. This clarification from India's apex cricket body aims to ensure that cricketing decisions remain separate from political or social disputes, allowing players from both nations to continue participating in bilateral and franchise cricket.

India's Previous Tour to Bangladesh

The upcoming series will mark India's return to Bangladesh after their last tour during the 2022-23 season, while that particular tour saw India face a challenging time in the ODI format, where they ultimately lost the three-match series to Bangladesh by a margin of 2-1. This previous defeat will undoubtedly add an extra layer of motivation for the Indian team, as they will be keen to avenge their loss and reassert their dominance on Bangladeshi soil.

Historical Performance in Bangladesh

Historically, India has maintained a strong record when playing cricket in Bangladesh. Out of 25 matches played on Bangladeshi pitches, the Indian team has emerged victorious in 18 encounters, while they've suffered defeat in 6 matches, with one match concluding without a result. This impressive track record suggests that despite the recent loss, India generally performs well in Bangladeshi conditions, giving them confidence heading into the upcoming series. The series is expected to be a keenly contested affair, given the recent history and the current climate.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced the itinerary for the white-ball series against India

ODIs: September 1, 3, 6
T20Is: September 9, 12, 13 #2026CricketCalendar pic.twitter.com/CIDvTZo5eC

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 2, 2026