Shakib Al Hasan has said he is optimistic that cricket relations between India and Bangladesh will improve and that bilateral series can return.
Shakib’s outlook
According to The Indian Express, Shakib believes things will start to get better. He pointed to the arrival of a new government, which he expects to make the right decisions on cricket, and to a Bangladesh Cricket Board election that is due soon. Once that vote has taken place, he said, the board should communicate well with India and with other boards, and hold fruitful talks to move things forward.
How tensions built
Relations between the two boards reportedly worsened after disagreements over player participation and scheduling ahead of IPL 2026. Bangladesh then decided not to travel to India for certain international commitments, including earlier discussions linked to global tournaments.
Signs of a thaw
Recent developments suggest both sides are open to reopening dialogue. The BCB has already written to the BCCI to explore restoring bilateral ties. BCB director of cricket operations Nazmul Abedin Fahim said the board keeps regular contact with cricket boards in various countries and recently wrote to the Board of Control for Cricket in India as part of that.
