The Chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Tamim Iqbal, has not lost hope for the series between India and Bangladesh, despite the planned three-match ODI and three-match T20 series scheduled for September not taking place yet. However, Tamim emphasized that both cricket boards continue to look for a suitable time to organize this tournament.
In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Not Out Norman', Tamim stated that the doors for holding the series are not closed. He noted: 'It hasn't been decided that there will be no series against India. Both boards are completely serious about holding this series.'
In September, India plans to play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan, making the India-Bangladesh series unlikely during that period. Nevertheless, according to Tamim, both boards are discussing alternative options and continuing to consider possible dates.
He added: 'BCCI and BCB are looking for a window when this can be held. Negotiations on dates are constantly underway. If intentions were negative, I would not be telling you today that we will see what happens, and we hope.'
Despite cooling relations, negotiations between India and Bangladesh continue. This year, tensions in sporting ties escalated when Bangladesh declined to participate in the T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns. Earlier, Bangladeshi all-rounder Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL by order of the BCCI, even though he had a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
This cricket-related dispute exacerbated already deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following the departure of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, discontent between the nations intensified.
Tamim admitted that Bangladesh should have negotiated more constructively at that time and participated in the World Cup. He criticized the decision regarding Mustafizur's case, noting that the decision caused disappointment across the country, but sport should be separated from politics and other disputes.
Tamim stated: 'We definitely should have participated in the World Cup. We also should have negotiated better. If you don't leave room for a return from day one, a solution cannot be found.'
He cited an example where Iran decided to play in the USA even amid the ongoing war between Iran and America. In his view, if sport can continue even under such a serious situation as war, then cricket should also be considered a sport even in difficult circumstances.
Tamim's message is clear: although the September series has been postponed, the hope for restoring cricket relations between India and Bangladesh has not faded.