Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) invites bids for media rights for 2026-27, including a crucial white-ball series against India. This move aims to revive bilatera
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has initiated the bidding process for media rights covering its men’s home international cricket calendar for 2026-27. This tender includes a much-anticipated white-ball series against India, which was previously postponed. The move by the BCB is seen as an effort to revitalise bilateral cricket ties with India, despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintaining a non-committal stance, awaiting diplomatic clearance.
The original tour by India to Bangladesh was scheduled for August 2025 but was rescheduled to September 2026 due to diplomatic tensions. These tensions reportedly escalated earlier in the year when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their roster, reportedly on BCCI’s instructions. Concurrently, Bangladesh declined to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns.
Media Rights Tender Details
As part of the bidding process, the BCB has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to solicit bids for worldwide media rights. This invitation extends to various entities, including TV broadcasters, digital platforms, marketing agencies, consortiums, and other firms. The tender highlights several key series, with the bilateral series against India being a prominent fixture.
The series against India is expected to feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This six-match series is tentatively planned for September 2026, though the official confirmation of fixtures is still pending. The media rights package also encompasses other significant home assignments for Bangladesh against major cricketing nations.
These additional series include a two-match Test series against the West Indies, another two-match Test series against England, and a five-match ODI series against Pakistan. The bidding documents for these rights became available on July 2, with the BCB setting a submission deadline of July 22 for all interested parties.
BCCI’s Stance on Bilateral Ties
Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has clarified the board’s position regarding the resumption of bilateral and multinational sporting ties with Bangladesh. Saikia stated that the BCCI would strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Government of India on such matters. He emphasised that the BCCI operates solely as a cricketing control board and does not involve itself in the political affairs of other countries.
Saikia further explained that the BCCI follows the policies set by the Government of India concerning participation in bilateral and multinational sporting events. He likened the BCCI’s approach to that of other sports federations, such as those governing football or athletics, in complying with central government regulations and policies. He also noted that the political landscape or the nature of the government in Bangladesh does not influence the BCCI’s decisions.
According to Saikia, the BCCI’s primary role is to manage cricket. He affirmed that any scheduled tour to a foreign country for bilateral matches would proceed according to the board’s established plans and schedules, provided there are no directives to the contrary from the Government of India. The BCB’s tender for media rights for the 2026-27 home international calendar includes a five-match ODI series against Pakistan in 2027.
The tender provides an early indication of Bangladesh’s international home programme for the next two years, even though the BCB has not yet officially announced the full schedule. The inclusion of the Pakistan series highlights another significant bilateral assignment for Bangladesh as they continue to finalise their future international calendar. The bidding documents for these rights became available on July 2.
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Source: circleofcricket.com
