- Tue, March 15, 2022
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India Set for High-Stakes White-Ball Series in Bangladesh: Full Schedule Announced
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially released the schedule for India's much-anticipated white-ball tour of Bangladesh, set to take place in August 2025. Cricket enthusiasts from both nations have every reason to be excited as this tour promises to rekindle one of the most spirited rivalries in the subcontinent. With three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) lined up, the series marks yet another crucial chapter in both teams’ preparation for future global tournaments.
A New Chapter in a Growing Rivalry
India's tour of Bangladesh will begin on 17 August 2025, with the Men in Blue touching down in Dhaka four days earlier. The ODI leg of the tour will see two matches played at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, followed by the final 50-over game in Chattogram, a venue known for its vibrant crowd and unpredictable pitch behavior.
What's particularly special about this tour is the T20I series, which will be the first-ever bilateral T20I series hosted by Bangladesh against India. Although the two sides have previously locked horns in the shortest format on numerous occasions, this marks a milestone in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey hosting India for a full-fledged T20I series at home.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
The series will unfold as follows:
ODI Series:
1st ODI – 17 August, Mirpur
2nd ODI – 20 August, Mirpur
3rd ODI – 23 August, Chattogram
T20I Series:
1st T20I – 26 August, Chattogram
2nd T20I – 29 August, Mirpur
3rd T20I – 31 August, Mirpur
Each of these matches is scheduled during the monsoon season, a factor that could introduce its own twist, especially in the form of rain delays or Duckworth-Lewis calculations.
India vs Bangladesh: A Battle of Equals?
While India boasts a formidable record in T20Is and ODIs overall, Bangladesh have made it increasingly difficult for visiting teams in recent years, especially in their own backyard. Most fans still remember India’s 2-1 ODI series loss on their last tour to Bangladesh in 2022 a defeat that reminded everyone of the Tigers’ growing stature in world cricket.
India, however, will enter this tour with high confidence. Their latest T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024 ended in a 3-0 whitewash in India’s favor. That being said, conditions in Mirpur and Chattogram can be unpredictable, favoring spin-heavy sides and challenging even the most established batting line-ups.
A Platform for Stars and Prospects
This series is expected to feature a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars from both camps. For India, players like Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav could be pivotal, while Bangladesh will rely on their local heroes like Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, and Taskin Ahmed to lead the charge.
Given the emphasis on building depth for upcoming ICC tournaments, the bilateral series may also serve as a testing ground for newer names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, or Tanzid Hasan, depending on squad selection.
Strategic Importance Ahead of ICC Events
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 behind and the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, both teams are aiming to refine their squads, strategies, and roles through tours like these. The pitches in Bangladesh, known for low bounce and grip, will test India’s middle order and spin combination. Similarly, Bangladesh's ability to counter India's pace and death-bowling unit will be crucial.
Moreover, this tour will play a critical role in ODI Super League points and ICC rankings, factors that can influence tournament seedings and qualifications in the near future.
BCB’s Statement on Hosting India
Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the series:
“This series promises to be one of the most exciting and most anticipated events in our home calendar. India have set the benchmark in international cricket across all formats, and the cricket-loving millions in both countries are sure to enjoy this contest.
Bangladesh and India have played some very competitive matches in recent years, and I am confident that this will be another hard-fought and entertaining series.”
His comments underline how much the fixture means not just to the fans, but to the cricketing fraternity in the region.
Broadcasting and Fan Engagement
While official broadcasting details are expected to be confirmed closer to the tour, matches will likely be televised on Star Sports Network in India and Gazi TV (GTV) in Bangladesh. Fans can also follow the live scores and ball-by-ball updates on Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and the ICC's official platforms.
In terms of fan experience, the tour is expected to feature significant social media engagement, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and possibly even AR/VR experiences for select ticket-holders, according to early rumors from BCB insiders.
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