India were originally scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in August last year under the Future Tours Programme, but the series was postponed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) citing a packed international calendar.
International media reports at the time also suggested security concerns linked to Bangladesh’s changing political situation following the July uprising played a role in the decision.
The postponed series is now expected to take place in September this year, and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim said he sees no current issues between the two boards.
“When India come to Bangladesh, the stadiums are always full. People love this rivalry,” Tamim told The Indian Express
“Personally, I don’t think there is any problem between the BCB and the BCCI now. A series between Bangladesh and India could be a great way forward for both sides.”
Tamim also dismissed concerns over security in Bangladesh, insisting there had never been any threat to the Indian team.
“The security situation in the country is very good at the moment. There is no problem and no security threat. And there was never any threat for the Indian team either,” he said.
Speaking about current ICC chairman Jay Shah, Tamim said he had not yet met him since taking charge of the BCB, but had heard positive things from Indian cricketers he played alongside during his career.
Tamim also revealed he shares a strong personal relationship with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas, recalling their time together in franchise cricket and domestic competitions in Bangladesh.
The former Bangladesh captain also revisited the country’s controversial withdrawal from the T20 World Cup, saying he had opposed the decision from the beginning and believed the previous BCB administration mishandled the situation.
“We gave up a World Cup without proper discussions,” Tamim said.
“The ICC was flexible at that time and there was room for a solution. Some players may never get another chance to play in a World Cup, and I could never accept the way the matter was handled.”
