Cricket fans, especially those of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, may have to brace themselves for disappointment. The upcoming India-Bangladesh ODI and T20 series, scheduled for August, is facing uncertainty as the Indian government has yet to grant clearance for the tour. If the series is postponed, it will mean a prolonged break for Kohli and Rohit — two of India’s biggest cricket stars who have already retired from Test and T20 formats and now focus solely on ODIs.

This would mark a major gap in their international appearances, as the India vs Bangladesh ODI series is part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP) and was slated to begin in Dhaka from August 17. The series was expected to include three ODIs and three T20s, but without the necessary governmental go-ahead, its fate hangs in the balance.

Why the Delay?

Reports suggest that the BCCI is awaiting final approval from the Indian government, especially in light of recent political and religious unrest in Bangladesh. Sources indicate that the Indian side is cautious due to several violent incidents targeting minority communities in Bangladesh over the past few months. These events have likely made the Indian authorities hesitant to greenlight the tour, prioritizing the security and diplomatic sensitivity of the situation.

A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed that while the series might be rescheduled, its cancellation is not on the table. “This tour is part of the FTP and both boards are committed to fulfilling the fixtures,” the official noted.

A Long Wait for Kohli and Rohit Fans?

This development is particularly upsetting for fans eager to see Kohli and Rohit back in action. With both players not part of the T20 setup anymore and the Test squad undergoing a generational shift, ODIs are now their only active international format. If the India-Bangladesh series is pushed back, their next appearance in Indian colours could be delayed significantly.

As of now, the BCCI has maintained silence, likely waiting for internal discussions with government officials to conclude. For now, fans can only hope that a resolution is reached soon so that the series goes ahead as planned — and Indian cricket’s iconic duo doesn’t stay off the field for too long.