BCB Chief Tamim Iqbal Confirms Active Talks With BCCI To Revive Stalled Bilateral Series

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal has said discussions are still ongoing with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding a long-delayed home white-ball series between the two nations, expressing optimism that a suitable window can still be found despite both countries' congested cricketing calendars. Speaking on the YouTube channel "Not Out Norman," Tamim confirmed that the previously planned series—comprising three ODIs and three T20Is—will not take place in September as originally scheduled, but stressed that this does not mean the series has been called off entirely.

India are set to play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan during the same September window, beginning September 13, which has effectively ruled out the proposed Bangladesh tour for that period given the overlapping fixtures on India's calendar. However, Tamim was careful to clarify that no final decision has been made regarding the series' cancellation altogether. "That it (India series) won't happen hasn't been decided yet," he said, adding that both boards remain committed to finding a mutually workable date despite the setback to the original September timeline.

Tamim emphasized that the two cricket boards have maintained sincere and continuous engagement on the matter, actively exploring alternative windows in their respective schedules to accommodate the series. "Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens. Both BCCI and BCB are looking at windows as well, which time what can be done," he explained, noting that a rough timeframe is currently under consideration by both sides as they attempt to reconcile competing international commitments and domestic league obligations that typically dominate large portions of the cricketing calendar for both nations.

Also Read: BCCI Seeks Junior Selectors, Lists Drug And Match-Fixing Awareness Among Key Duties

Defending the sincerity of the ongoing talks, Tamim said his own comments reflected genuine optimism rather than mere diplomatic formality intended to placate fans or media. "If I saw the intention was negative, then today I wouldn't even have said this word to you, 'Let's see what happens, we're hopeful.' I wouldn't have even said this word. Intentions are very positive," he asserted, underscoring his belief that both administrations are working in good faith toward a resolution. Tamim added that regular discussions between the two boards continue at a steady pace, with dates actively "being figured out" as officials from both sides weigh logistical and scheduling constraints.

The remarks come against the backdrop of strained relations between the two boards earlier this year, when Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup held in India, citing security concerns—a decision that had created noticeable friction between the BCB and BCCI ahead of the tournament. That episode, which saw the International Cricket Council inform the BCB that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the tournament, marked one of the more tense diplomatic moments in recent bilateral cricketing ties between the two neighboring nations, raising questions at the time about the future of scheduled fixtures between them.

Despite that earlier tension, Tamim's latest comments suggest a thaw in relations, with both boards apparently keen to move past the World Cup controversy and restore a normal bilateral cricketing relationship. A home white-ball series against India would be a significant draw for Bangladeshi cricket fans and broadcasters alike, given India's stature as the sport's most commercially valuable market. For now, however, followers of the series will have to wait as administrators on both sides continue working through the logistics, with no confirmed dates yet announced for when the rescheduled fixtures might finally take place.

Also Read: BCCI Explains Sarfaraz Khan's Test Recall For Sri Lanka Despite India A Omission