BCB Holds Back Media Rights Papers While Awaiting India Tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is optimistic that India will visit in September and is deliberately slowing the release of its broadcast paperwork in the hope of drawing the best possible offers.

The schedule

If the tour goes ahead, India are due to play three ODIs on September 1, 3 and 6, then three T20Is on September 9, 12 and 13. It could be the first bilateral T20I series between the two nations to be staged in Bangladesh. India are reportedly set to land on August 28.

The delayed documents

The BCB opened its media rights process on July 1 with a tender notification but has not yet issued the formal Expression of Interest documents. That has left prospective bidders, especially those in India, uncertain. Television networks, streaming platforms and marketing agencies seeking worldwide rights have until July 22 to bid.

A senior board official told Revsportz that the board is confident the Indian tour will proceed and wants extra time to secure strong offers before releasing the documents.

Sources say the caution reflects the board’s reading of market interest: holding back the papers lets it gauge demand and possibly achieve a higher valuation. The postponement of India’s original August 2025 tour also left a long gap, and the BCB wants to maximise income from the rescheduled series.

BCCI stance and next steps

The BCCI has stayed cautious. Its secretary, Devajit Saikia, said the board would follow the Government of India’s policy on bilateral sporting ties with Bangladesh.

The BCB’s priority is to finish the rights process by July 22. Broadcast deals should then clarify logistics such as venues and squad announcements, with both boards continuing to coordinate.