Rohit, Kohli return uncertain amid Bangladesh tour delay
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Rohit, Kohli return uncertain amid Bangladesh tour delay

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s return may be delayed as BCCI awaits Bangladesh tour confirmation

India’s tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for August 2025, is now uncertain. According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet confirmed the tour. The tour was supposed to include three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is). However, due to the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh, the Indian government has yet to approve the team’s visit.

This delay could also affect the much-awaited return of two of India’s biggest cricket stars—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have retired from Test and T20I formats and now only play ODIs. Fans were eagerly waiting to see them in action again after a break from international cricket.

Waiting for Government nod

The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and is currently in touch with the Indian government. The final decision on whether the Indian team will travel to Bangladesh will only be made after the government gives clearance.

The tour was important because it was supposed to mark the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket. The two legendary cricketers last played for India in March during the ICC Champions Trophy. Since then, they have only played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier this year, they were expected to play in the Test series against England but both decided to retire from the longest format of the game.

The two also stepped away from T20Is after helping India win the T20 World Cup in 2024. In that final, India beat South Africa in Barbados, and soon after, both Rohit and Virat confirmed they would not play T20Is anymore. Now, they are focusing only on ODIs and are working toward the ODI World Cup in 2027.

If the Bangladesh tour does not happen next month, it could delay their return further. Since there are no other ODI series planned before then, fans will have to wait longer to watch them wear the Indian jersey again.

Even though the tour is in doubt, BCB president Aminul Islam is still hopeful. He recently spoke to the media in Dhaka after a board meeting. He said that the BCCI has been professional and cooperative throughout the planning process. He also mentioned that the BCCI had promised to look for another time slot if the tour cannot happen in August.

“I have already spoken to the BCCI. Discussions have been positive. We remain hopeful,” Aminul Islam said during his press conference. “It is scheduled [next month], but they are waiting for some decisions from the government. The discussions are ongoing. If for some reason they can't come [in August], they will come at the next available window.”

The BCB had already announced the match schedule for the tour in April. As per the schedule, the three ODIs are to be played on August 17, 20, and 23. The T20Is are to be held on August 26, 29, and 31. The matches are planned to take place in Mirpur and Chattogram.

However, with the current uncertainty, these plans are now on hold. Both cricket boards are waiting for clarity from the Indian government before moving ahead.

Kohli and Rohit: ODI-only future

The careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a new direction. After years of playing in all three formats, they have now decided to focus only on ODIs. Their fans are still trying to adjust to the idea that they will no longer be seen in Test whites or in the blue T20I kit.

The last time they played was during the Champions Trophy, and since then, they’ve been missing from the international stage. Both of them performed well in the IPL, but watching them in international matches is something fans look forward to the most.

Their decision to step back from Tests and T20Is came as a surprise to many. However, it is clear they are planning ahead for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which could possibly be the last time both players feature in a big ICC event.

With the Bangladesh tour being the only upcoming ODI series for India in the near future, missing it would be a big disappointment for fans and a setback for the players’ preparations.

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For now, all eyes are on the Indian government’s decision. The BCCI will only confirm the tour if it gets full security clearance. If the tour gets cancelled, the BCCI has assured the BCB that they will reschedule it at the earliest possible time.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board continues its preparations and remains in close contact with Indian cricket officials. Cricket fans from both countries are hoping that the political issues settle soon and the tour can go ahead as planned.

Until then, the future of this series—and the return of two of India’s greatest cricketers—remains uncertain.


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