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BCCI has not officially sought any change in Test series schedule: ECB
NEWS
Follow UsThe Indian board is looking at a potential gap of six weeks after the completion of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand
The BCCI has requested England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to advance the five-match Test series by a week from its current August 4 start to give them a better shot at completing the remaining 31 matches of the now-postponed Indian Premier League. While no one from BCCI has officially confirmed the development, ECB later revealed that the BCCI has not made any official request to alter the schedule.
"We talk to the BCCI on a regular basis about a wide range of issues especially as we address the challenges of COVID-19 but have had no official request to change dates and are continuing to plan for the five Test series as scheduled," an ECB spokesperson told PTI when asked about the possible change in the schedule.
The Indian board is looking at a potential gap of six weeks after the completion of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand which is scheduled from June 18-22 in Southampton and start of the England series to complete the remainder of the season. The five-match Test series starts with its first match at Nottingham (Aug-4-8), followed by Lord's (Aug 12-16), Leeds (Aug 25-29), Oval (Sep 2-6) and Manchester (Sep 10-14).
However, a potential start in the last week of July, with lesser gaps between the Tests would open the entire month of September in which BCCI can complete the IPL either in UK or more likely in the UAE. Former England captain and renowned cricket writer Michael Atherton has reported about the development in 'The Times' and explained that ECB's own calendar as well as those hosting counties, which have already sold tickets, would be in a fix with this request from the BCCI.
"At this late stage it is hard to see the ECB acceding to any potential change and it is expected to hold its ground," he reported.
"The fifth Test of the India series is due to be held at Emirates Old Trafford between September 10-14. Lancashire have already pre-sold three full days, and with a fair wind between now and then, would expect to sell the match out completely.
"Moving the game at this late stage to earlier in the season would create logistical headaches for Lancashire, the ECB, and the England team, not to say those spectators who have spent money and planned to attend," he reasoned in his article.