India's cricket board (BCCI) is pushing for a September window to tour Bangladesh, a development that could help thaw the frosty relationship between the two boards after a year of uncertainty.
The BCCI is reportedly set to postpone the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in Delhi, to clear a window for a white-ball series in Bangladesh. The eventual nod for the series will come from the Indian government.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has kept all its venues free from September 1, proposing a few combinations for the BCCI to choose from as per convenience. Dhaka and Chattogram are the leading venues, with the possibility of playing just one format.
The two boards held discussions on the sidelines of the recent ICC meet in London, where India's commitment to Afghanistan was a hurdle that was discussed. However, the tour is subject to government approval.
The BCCI had informed the selectors about the Afghanistan series, but an official announcement was delayed due to this reason. Preparations for that series have been pushed back.
The BCCI's decision to push back the Afghanistan series is seen as a positive step towards mending relations with Bangladesh. In May, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told TOI that the BCCI has decided to move on from the past and build healthy relationships with other member boards.
The relationship between the BCCI and BCB soured last year after India refused to tour Bangladesh due to diplomatic tensions. Bangladesh forfeited their place in the T20 World Cup in India after Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL in January.
The BCB is reportedly fine with the idea of holding all matches at one venue, with three T20Is at one venue and three ODIs in another. Playing just one format was also a possibility.
The BCCI and BCB are now working on an itinerary for India's tour of Bangladesh in the first half of September. If the series against Afghanistan is pushed back, it could open up a two-week window in September.
The BCCI's push for a September window comes as India's Test tour of Sri Lanka is due to end on August 27. The BCB has kept all its venues free from September 1, waiting for the BCCI's decision.
The BCCI's decision to postpone the Afghanistan series will now depend on the government's approval. If approved, the tour will be a significant step towards mending relations between the two boards.
Source: Yahoo Sports