The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to postpone its scheduled tour of Ireland in September 2026 to make way for a crucial six-match white-ball series at home against India.
According to reports, the BCB informed Cricket Ireland that it would not be able to tour in September due to its commitment to host India during the same period.
Cricket Ireland, which had already finalized its annual schedule, said it could not accommodate a rescheduled window in 2026. As a result, both boards mutually agreed to postpone the Ireland series, with hopes of rescheduling it in 2027.
India tour takes priority
India is now set to tour Bangladesh starting August 28 for three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODI matches are scheduled for September 1, 3, and 6, followed by T20Is on September 9, 12, and 13.
The series was originally planned for 2025 but was postponed and shifted to September 2026.
A BCB official revealed that the board had approached Cricket Ireland to explore alternative dates in 2026 after the India series was rescheduled. However, Ireland declined due to prior commitments, leaving postponement as the only viable option.
“They also had some other issues, so we decided to work together to find a new window, hopefully in 2027,” the official said.
The India series is considered highly significant for Bangladesh, both financially and competitively. It provides a major revenue opportunity and also allows Bangladesh to play more ODIs ahead of the qualification cut-off for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh’s ODI ranking, qualification stakes
Bangladesh recently climbed to ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings after a 2-1 home series win against Pakistan. They now have 79 rating points, two more than tenth-placed West Indies.
To secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup — to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia — Bangladesh must finish in the top eight by March 31, 2027.
Teams outside the top eight will have to go through a qualifying tournament.
Bangladesh has enjoyed success against India in recent home ODI series, winning their last two encounters. The upcoming series presents another opportunity to strengthen their standing ahead of World Cup qualification.
Uncertainty over India tour
However, the India tour is not yet fully guaranteed. Its final confirmation depends on clearance from the Government of India amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
If the tour does not go ahead, Bangladesh could be left with limited ODI opportunities before the qualification deadline.
With the Ireland tour postponed, Bangladesh is expected to host New Zealand, Australia, and India, while also touring South Africa and Zimbabwe before the cut-off date.
These fixtures will be crucial in determining their qualification chances.
The decision to prioritize the India series reflects a calculated move by the BCB to maximize both competitive exposure and financial gains.
While the Ireland tour has been delayed, officials remain hopeful of finding a suitable window in 2027.
