In October 2020, Rangers revealed that the club would host an international friendly against partner club Bengaluru.
With the current pre-season schedule of games yet to be finalised and a further announcement to be made, this game may yet come to fruition in the following weeks.
Of course, current Covid restrictions and concerns regarding the Delta variant – and overall situation in India – provides a significant impediment as well as the various logistical issues in terms of travel.
The Rangers statement nine months ago, as part of the announcement of a TV rights deal with Star Sports India, included:
“Following the acquisition of the exclusive 2020/2021 season SPFL rights for India, Rangers forged a wide-ranging partnership with Star Sports that includes unique access and behind-the-scenes content, live matches and the exclusive airing of a friendly between Rangers and Bengaluru FC at Ibrox in Summer 2021.”
This was followed up one month later with another agreement resulting in Indian Super League games featuring Bangaluru, being screened live via Rangers Facebook and YouTube channels.
Schedule
So far, the club has confirmed the majority of friendly games for this pre-season programme.
Starting on Monday, the champions will face Partick, followed by tests against Tranmere, Blackpool, and Arsenal.
It is expected that two further games will be announced, ahead of the SPFL Premiership kick-off on 31st July, which is followed days later by Champions League qualifiers.
Given the calibre of opposition standing between Rangers and the lucrative group stages of the premier European club competition, some fans have expressed a desire to see at least one additional game against Premier League opposition or even to face a side from another Top 5 league before the real business begins.
A further announcement is expected within a matter of days from Ibrox, to confirm the finalised plan.