Dhaka: Sports Minister Aminul Haque stated on Tuesday that he anticipates India’s cricket team will tour Bangladesh in September as planned. This announcement comes amidst hopes that the series will aid in mending cricket relations that have been under strain following political upheavals, particularly the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, a significant ally of India’s ruling party.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team is scheduled to play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in Bangladesh. The series, initially set for the previous year, faced postponement due to diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Concerns about the tour were reignited after Bangladesh’s interim government decided to withdraw from the T20 World Cup in India this year, citing security issues. This decision followed the exclusion of Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League in March.

During a press briefing at the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur, Aminul Haque emphasized the government’s intention to leverage sports as a means to enhance relations with neighboring countries. “I have spoken with officials at the Indian High Commission, and they have also been in touch with us,” Aminul mentioned. “Everyone is waiting for India to come to Bangladesh in September.”

The Sports Minister further articulated the government’s stance that recent tensions should not hinder the continuation of sporting engagements. “We should move past what happened and ensure that our sporting relations, communication and exchanges with neighbouring countries continue as normal,” he asserted.