India’s 2020-21 cricket schedule hangs in balance. Find why?
XtraTime Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finds itself in a precarious situation with regard to formulating the 2020-21 cricket schedules. The situation has so arisen due to the present situation where there has been COVID-19 cases rising every day. The BCCI cannot finalize the 2020-2021 cricket schedules as any decision regarding the consumption of cricket in the country has to be taken with the approval of central government and respective state governments.
The BCCI has been keen to start cricket action, at least practice sessions, by the next month or so but would require approvals from central and state governments. And the Indian board is still expecting a topsy-turvy season with a lot of tweaks given the quarantine rules and other health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Please remember, without the central government and respective state government approvals, the BCCI cannot do anything," a report in TOI quoted a source in BCCI.
"The present (interim) schedule for Australia tour was released by Cricket Australia (CA) with the first Test to begin on December 3. Also, to note is a three-match T20 series that was scheduled ahead of the Tests, to be followed by a three-match ODI series," added the source.
Cricket Australia (CA) had earlier announced the schedule of India’s tour. However, with the T20 World Cup set to be postponed, there could be quite a few changes in the schedule of India’s tour of Australia The start of the Test series could very well be pushed by a week.
"One of those two - either T20s or ODIs - will have to be cancelled. Most likely the T20s because the format was put in place keeping the T20 World Cup in Australia in mind. Now, that' not happening, and IPL is. The start of the Test series will also be pushed by a week," say those in the know.
Forthcoming England’s tour of India next year will also likely to see some changes. England is scheduled to play five test matches. But under present scenario the test matches can be reduced to three followed by T20Is and ODIs.
.jpg)
