BCCI Requests ECB To Reschedule Ind vs Eng Five-Test Series For IPL Window: Report

BCCI is looking at a possible six-week gap after the completion of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. The match against New Zealand will be played at Southampton from 18-22 June.

BCCI Logo, Photo Courtesy: AFP

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to start the five-Test series a week before the original date of Ind vs Eng 1st Test -- August 4. If this happens, BCCI will be able to create a window to hold the remaining matches of the suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

There are 31 matches remaining of IPL 2021 and the BCCI is thinking of getting them done in September. No official statement has been received by the BCCI on this matter so far, but former England captain Mike Atherton has confirmed about the development in The Times daily.

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"The BCCI has enquired about the possibility of moving the final Test of the English summer in order to make room to complete the postponed IPL," The Times report said.

BCCI is looking at a possible six-week gap after the completion of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. The India vs New Zealand WTC Final will be played at Southampton from 18-22 June. The first match of the five-match series against England will be played in Nottingham (4–8 August). It will be followed by Lords (12–16 August), Leeds (25–29 August), The Oval (2–6 September) and Manchester (10–14 September).

Lesser gaps between the Tests, a potential start in last week of July, would give BCCI the entire month of September to complete the IPL either in UK or more likely in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Atherton further wrote 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.