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Bangladesh’s long wait to host India has taken another hit. The BCCI and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced a three-match T20I series in New Delhi from 13–17 September — landing directly in the window Bangladesh had proposed for its own white-ball series against India.
The announcement
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will face Afghanistan in three T20Is at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The series forms part of the ACB’s Future Tours Programme and will be treated as a home assignment for Afghanistan, who have used India as a base for hosting international cricket amid the security situation at home.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas welcomed the Afghan board, while ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf described the series as “a significant milestone” for Afghanistan cricket.
What it means for Bangladesh
The India–Bangladesh bilateral series was postponed last year amid political unrest in Bangladesh and had been tentatively lined up for September. The Afghanistan series landing in the same slot strongly suggests Bangladesh’s assignment is now off the table — or pushed well into the distance.
The setback comes shortly after BCB president Tamim Iqbal sought government assistance to break the impasse, saying he had “high hopes” but that the matter ultimately rested between the two governments. Reports have also indicated foreign ministers of both countries are involved in talks to try to salvage the tour.
Why it matters
For Bangladesh, a home series against India is not just a sporting event — it drives broadcast revenue, stadium crowds and sponsor interest, all of which the BCB has been working hard to secure. Losing it is a meaningful commercial and competitive blow.
On the field, though, the Tigers are making their own headlines — bowling Australia out for 198 on day one in Darwin. For now, the BCB will keep one eye on the pitch and the other on the September calendar.
