‘No official request’ from India to change dates: ECB
Robert Lewandowski remains the best striker in the world and arguably the best player overall at the moment. His form has been key to Bayern continuing their dominance in Germany. At this rate, one can see Bayern winning their 10th straight title next season. RB Leipzig are a rising force but may need a few more years before they can be a regular threat to Bayern. Borussia Dortmund have an impressive young squad but may face a challenge keeping them, with the likes of wonder-striker Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho are on the wish list of every major club in Europe.
Press Trust of India
The BCCI has not made any official request to alter the schedule for India’s five-test series against England for completing the postponed IPL, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday.
British media had reported about a possible approach from the BCCI to advance the first Test, starting August 4, by a week so that the remaining 31 matches of the league could be held.
However, the ECB said they plan to follow the original schedule since their Indian counterparts have not yet made any official request for a change.
“We talk to the BCCI on a regular
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This has been one of the most competitive seasons in France, dispelling the myth of Ligue 1 being a one-team show. The cut-throat competition at both ends of the table has set things up nicely for the final day.
Leaders Lille and fourth-placed Lyon are separated by just four points while only six points separate the teams placed
10th and 18th. PSG’S home form has been underwhelming this season and part of the reason behind them failing to take charge of the title race. 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 said when asked about the possible change in the schedule.
The BCCI stands to lose revenues to the tune of ₹2,500 crore if the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is not completed.
This year’s edition was postponed recently when Covid-19 cases were reported inside the bio-bubble for the League.
Former England captain and renowned cricket writer Michael Atherton wrote in his column for ‘The Times’ that the BCCI has enquired about the possibility of moving the final Test of the English summer to make room to complete the postponed IPL.
When approached, a BCCI source said the Board is certainly exploring options but the ECB has not been approached officially. “The situation is pretty fluid now. There are options that are being explored but no official request has yet been sent. Obviously as Atherton wrote in his column, there are some specific enquiries being made. Who said that enquiries mean official communications,” a BCCI source said.
The Test series as of now is scheduled to conclude at the Old Trafford. The fifth Test will begin on September 10. The game is expected to attract big crowd and the Lancashire county has already started selling tickets.
If India make a formal request, the ECB will have to tweak the window for their ambitious project ‘The Hundred’ along with limited overs series against Pakistan.
Pakistan will play three ODIS and as many Twenty20 Internationals between July 8 and 20. The Hundred will be played between July 23 and August 22.
However if BCCI manages to convince the ECB for advancing the dates, it will be interesting to find what kind if quid pro quo is sought—asking participation of Indian cricketers in the ‘Hundred’ or hosting the remainder of the IPL in England?