The BCCI has offered to play two more T20 Internationals in England when India next visit them. However, this will make up the last-minute cancellation of the fifth and final Test in Manchester because of COVID-19 concerns in the Indian camp as well.
The 11th-hour cancellation of the fifth and final Test at Old Trafford has left everyone shocked. The decision seems to be taken after Team India’s junior physio Yogesh Parmer has been tested positive for COVID-19, although, the RT-PR tests of the players who came in contact with him have come negative as well.
Meanwhile, this also created uncertainty regarding the upcoming Ashes series, although England cricket’s top administrator is still hopeful that postponement is “probably not where we are going to end up”.
“An Ashes series is a massive deal for world cricket,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison told The Times. “I think (postponement) is probably not where we are going to end up. All the England players want to be part of it.”
“I totally understand the players´ perspective on families being present and the conditions under which families are present. It’s a conversation we’re having with Cricket Australia and the Australian government,” he further added.
However, this offer from the BCCI has been designed to help ease financially as they have faced a loss of nearly £40million as well. And, the ECB has understood to be considering the move as they try to solve their issues.
However, it could depend on whether the various broadcasters, who have paid £25million for the rights of the Test, would agree to settle for two T20s instead of five full days. Along with this, the uncertainty is still there regarding corporate hospitality, tickets, and food, drink, and other things as well.
However, India will return to the UK next summer for three T20 and three one-day internationals, taking place in the first fortnight in July.
Although, the confusion is still there over the result of the Test series, in which India took a 2-1 lead before the abandoned match. It will be interesting to see how things progress over this matter.
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