The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially rolled out its comprehensive home international schedule for the year 2026, setting the stage for a packed season of cricket. The highlight of the calendar is a significant bilateral series, with the Indian cricket team likely to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in August or September of that year.
A Packed 2026 Home Calendar for Bangladesh
According to the announcement made by BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus, the 2026 home season is brimming with high-profile contests. The calendar kicks off early in the year with a visit from a top Asian rival. Sri Lanka is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in January and February 2026 for a full series comprising two Test matches, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This series promises to reignite a familiar and competitive rivalry.
Following the Sri Lankan series, Bangladesh will shift their focus to the longest format with a two-Test series against England. The English side is slated to arrive in March 2026, providing a stern challenge for the Bangladeshi Tigers in the traditional form of the game. This series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and will be crucial for both teams.
The Marquee Attraction: India's White-Ball Tour
The most anticipated segment of the 2026 calendar is the proposed tour by the Indian cricket team. While the final confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pending, the BCB has penciled in the August-September window for a limited-overs series against India. This tour is expected to feature three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, offering fans a thrilling spectacle of white-ball cricket.
Jalal Yunus indicated that the board is in the process of formalizing the schedule with the BCCI. The series holds immense commercial and sporting value for Bangladesh cricket, given the massive fan following and intense rivalry between the two neighboring nations. The last time India toured Bangladesh for a bilateral series was in 2022, making this 2026 assignment a highly awaited event.
Additional Fixtures and Strategic Planning
Beyond these major series, the BCB's calendar also includes a visit from another cricketing giant. Pakistan is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in November 2026 for a series that will include two Test matches and three T20 Internationals. This addition ensures that Bangladesh will host three of the biggest cricketing nations in a single calendar year, a testament to their growing stature in the international arena.
The board's proactive approach in announcing the schedule well in advance allows for meticulous planning regarding venues, logistics, and commercial partnerships. It also provides the national team management and players with a clear roadmap for their future preparations. The focus on a mix of formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—ensures the team gets balanced exposure, which is vital for development.
Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who recently reversed his retirement decision from T20 Internationals, is expected to be a central figure in these home contests, especially in the white-ball matches against India and others. His presence adds significant experience and firepower to the squad.
In summary, the BCB's 2026 home international calendar is a bold statement of intent. By securing tours from India, England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a major hub for world cricket. The potential India tour, in particular, is set to be the crown jewel of the season, promising high-octane cricket and capturing the imagination of millions of fans across the subcontinent. All eyes will now be on the final confirmations and the detailed itinerary for what promises to be a landmark year for Bangladeshi cricket.
