Following their retirement from T20Is last year and their unexpected departure from Test cricket in May, the global cricketing community has eagerly awaited Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s next appearance in Indian colours. Their return was initially expected in August, as India gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a tour of Bangladesh. However, the BCCI has not yet confirmed their participation.
In April, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the tour schedule, which includes three ODIs on August 17, 20, and 23, followed by three T20Is on August 26, 29, and 31. The matches are set to be held in Mirpur and Chattogram. Despite the announcement, BCB president Aminul Islam stated on Monday that the BCCI is still waiting for government clearance before giving official confirmation.
“I’ve spoken to the BCCI, and the discussions have been encouraging,” Aminul said following the 19th board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. “We are hopeful. The tour is scheduled for next month, but they are still awaiting some approvals from the government.”
Should the BCCI fail to secure the necessary clearance in time, Kohli and Rohit’s much-anticipated return will be postponed until India’s tour of Australia in October, where the team is set to play three ODIs starting from October 19.
The Indian board has already confirmed that Rohit will continue as captain in the ODI format, marking a rare instance where India will have separate captains for each format of the game.
Cricket Australia is also expected to honour both Kohli and Rohit during the series, which many anticipate could be their final professional outing in Australia.
Despite the uncertainty, the BCB remains confident. “If the tour doesn’t happen in August, India will visit in the next available window. Discussions are still underway, and we’re optimistic about the current schedule. The BCCI has been professional and supportive throughout,” Aminul added.
