Bangladesh is racing against time to salvage India's six-match cricket tour, with foreign ministers from both countries engaged in last-ditch talks to resolve the issue.
The tour, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), was originally scheduled for August last year but was postponed due to strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Bangladesh sports minister Aminul Haque confirmed on Monday that discussions were ongoing at the ministerial level.
"It is being worked on at the ministerial level," Haque said, as quoted by AFP.
Relations between Bangladesh and India have been tense since a mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 led to the removal of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She fled to India, where she remains in hiding.
The two nations have a rich cricketing history, with India last touring Bangladesh in 2022 for a two-Test series, which they won 2-0. Bangladesh won the subsequent three-match ODI series 2-1.
Bangladesh last toured India in September-October 2024 for two Tests and two T20Is, with India winning both series and completing a sweep across the two formats. The country's decision not to send a team to India for the T20 World Cup in February, citing security concerns, further strained relations.
"We want to quickly resolve the deadlock that was created around the Cricket World Cup," Haque said, highlighting the urgency of the situation. "God willing, we are hopeful that it will be resolved very soon."
The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the future of cricket in both countries. If the tour is ultimately cancelled, it would mark a major setback for the sport in Bangladesh, which has been working to strengthen ties with its South Asian neighbours.
The situation remains fluid, with Haque's comments suggesting that a resolution is still possible. The foreign ministers' talks are expected to continue in the coming days, with a decision on the tour's fate likely to be announced soon.
Source: Yahoo Sports