India’s scheduled cricket tour of Bangladesh and the upcoming Asia Cup are both under serious threat, following rising geopolitical tensions in the region and the abrupt suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
India was set to visit Bangladesh in August to play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 matches. However, according to a report by the Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adopted a negative stance regarding both the Bangladesh tour and the Asia Cup, originally scheduled for September.
The BCCI is reportedly considering using the same time window to complete the remaining matches of the IPL, which was suspended earlier on Friday due to escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. The 18th edition of the tournament was called off after multiple security incidents, including an alarming episode during Thursday night’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala.
Midway through the game, stadium floodlights were turned off, and the match was officially halted due to security concerns. Indian media later reported that around the same time, Pakistan had carried out multiple retaliatory attacks along India's western border.
These developments followed India's missile strike on Pakistani territory late Tuesday night, reportedly in response to a militant attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir.
In the aftermath of the Dharamshala incident, IPL players were visibly shaken. According to reports, both teams left the venue by early Friday morning. The BCCI subsequently announced a one-week suspension of the IPL but admitted that the possibility of resumption anytime soon remains slim.
The original IPL schedule was set to conclude by the end of May, with the Indian national team then departing for England in early June for a five-match Test series. The Bangladesh tour was slated to follow, ahead of the Asia Cup. However, rescheduling the postponed IPL matches might now take precedence over those international commitments.
Even if the remaining IPL fixtures are completed before the Bangladesh tour and Asia Cup dates, Times of India sources suggest that both events are likely to be canceled. The BCCI is reportedly unwilling to compromise on its position.
At present, the Indian cricket board’s primary concern is ensuring the safety and mental well-being of players and staff—especially after the unnerving events in Dharamshala.
