England's white-ball tour of India postponed until 2021
The Board of Control for India (BCCI) has confirmed that England's white-ball tour of India has been postponed until early 2021. England were due to tour India for three ODIs and as many T20Is at the end of September. However, the Indian Premier League will now run in the same window. As a result, the white-ball assignments have been deferred. Here is more.
The limited-overs series could be played in January-March
It is understood that the white-ball games will now be played as part of England's Test tour scheduled from late January to March, next year. Notably, the proposed five Tests are also scheduled to be played on that tour. However, the venues for the same are yet to be decided. An ECB spokesperson suggested it is too early to "speculate" on such a scenario.
ECB aims to work with BCCI in future: Tom Harrison
"International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and we look forward to working with the BCCI to firm-up the schedules for these eagerly anticipated tours as soon as possible." ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said.
An opportunity to optimize international calendar
Harrison believes the postponement of ICC T20 WC has opened the avenues. "Now that we have clarity regarding the postponement of ICC T20 World Cup, it enables us to work with other Boards to progress the vital task of optimizing the international schedules in the challenging circumstances that we have all been having to address with the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.
The two cricket boards are working to finalize the schedule
BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed the two cricket boards are working to finalize the schedule. "The BCCI and ECB are working closely to finalise the schedule as we move towards the resumption of cricket. The rescheduled tour is also being redesigned in a way to accommodate both red and white-ball format and will now be a comprehensive one," he said.
IPL set to be played in September-November
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently postponed the T20 World Cup that was set to be held in Australia this year. This prompted BCCI to stage the Indian Premier League in the vacant September-October window. Following the IPL, India are scheduled to tour Down Under for a four-match Test series. It remains to be seen if India's limited-overs series against England get duly accommodated.
