The Indian women’s cricket team’s home season has hit a significant roadblock. The upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh, initially scheduled for December 2025, is reportedly set to be postponed indefinitely.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not explicitly cited “political reasons” in its official correspondence, multiple reports confirm that the decision is a direct fallout of the escalating diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of why this series is being called off and what it means for Indian cricket.
1. The Core Reason: Political Tensions & The “Sheikh Hasina” Verdict
The primary driver behind this postponement is a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations.
- The Tribunal Verdict: On Monday, a tribunal court in Bangladesh sentenced the country’s former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, to death.
- The Diplomatic Standoff: Sheikh Hasina is currently seeking refuge in India. Her presence in the country has become a flashpoint for the interim government in Dhaka, which has strengthened its insistence on her return.
- Impact on Safety: Given the hostile political climate, hosting a Bangladesh national team in India or vice versa presents security and diplomatic challenges that the cricket boards are reportedly unwilling to navigate at this moment.
2. Official Status: The BCCI Letter
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo and other sources, the BCCI has formally written to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the rescheduling.
- The Message: The letter states that the series will be rescheduled for a “later date,” without specifying when.
- Reason Given: The official communication reportedly avoids direct political language, likely citing “scheduling adjustments,” but sources indicate the geopolitical reality is the sole factor.
3. The Lost Schedule: What Was Planned?
This series was a crucial part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) and was significant for several reasons:
- Format: 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
- Venues: The matches were slated for Eden Gardens (Kolkata) and Barabati Stadium (Cuttack).
- Significance:
- The ODIs would have marked the start of the new Women’s ODI Championship cycle for both teams.
- This was intended to be the only international assignment for the Indian Women’s team between their ODI World Cup campaign and the start of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in January 2026.
4. Impact on Team India: A “Rusty” Lead-up to WPL 2026
The postponement creates a significant void in the calendar for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.
- Lack of Match Practice: With this series gone, Indian players may head into the 2026 WPL season without any competitive international cricket in December.
- Momentum Breaker: The team was looking to build on their recent World Cup performance, but this break disrupts their rhythm ahead of the busy 2026 season.
5. A Recurring Pattern: Men’s Tour Also Postponed
This is not the first time cricket has become a casualty of the current India-Bangladesh diplomatic climate.
- Men’s Team Precedent: Earlier this year, the Indian men’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh (originally set for August 2025) was postponed to September 2026.
- BCCI’s Stance Then: At that time, the BCCI stated, “This decision has been reached following discussions between the two boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience.”
6. What Happens Next?
As of now, there is no confirmed replacement window for the series.
- 2026 Window? With a packed calendar including the WPL, the tour likely won’t happen until mid-to-late 2026.
- Points Sharing: If the series cannot be rescheduled within the ICC Women’s Championship window, the points may eventually be shared, though the boards will try to avoid this.
Summary: The postponement of the India-Bangladesh series is a clear indicator that cross-border cricket in the subcontinent remains heavily influenced by political stability. For now, fans in Kolkata and Cuttack will have to wait longer to see the Women in Blue in action.