England vs India Test series itinerary unlikely to change after ECB-BCCI back-channel talks

Informal discussions between the ECB and the BCCI have yielded no favorable results and the test series is likely to proceed at the scheduled time.

No favorable response from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to accommodate the remaining 31 IPL games to the BCCI's bid to shift the five-Test series for a week starting on August 4 between India and England Is received. Although the BCCI did not make any formal request as it was confirmed by the ECB spokesperson, it has been learned that informal discussions between the elders of the two boards have not yielded any favorable results.

A senior BCCI source said, "There is no possibility of the ECB accepting BCCI's request to change the dates of the test series. Since they have informally made their stand clear, I do not think there is any formal request it means." Told PTI about the details.

The source said, "The ECB inaugurates 'Hundred' from July 24 to August 21. Their broadcast deal and everything is fine. So there is no possibility of any change."

The Indian team is looking at a possible six-week gap after the completion of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, which is scheduled from 18-22 June in Southampton and the England series will begin.

The five-Test series begins with the first match in Nottingham (August 4–8), followed by Lord's (12–16 August), Leeds (25–29 August), Oval (2–6 September), and Manchester (10 September-) 14).

However, a possible start in the last week of July will open throughout September with shorter intervals between Tests in which the BCCI can now complete the IPL in the UAE between 15 September and 15 October.

Former England captain Michael Atherton indicated that the ECB would not listen to the BCCI's request.

Atherton wrote in 'The Times', "The ECB is difficult to accept for any possible changes at this late stage and is expected to remain grounded.

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The fifth Test of India series is scheduled to be held at Emirates Old Trafford between September 10-14.

Lancashire has already sold out for a full three days and will expect the match to sell out completely, with a good breeze between now and then.

He argued in his article, moving the game to this final stage in the first season will create a logical headache for Lancashire, the ECB, and the England team, not the spectators who have spent the money and plan to participate.

It is learned that the BCCI has started talks with various boards about the window between 15 September and 15 October, with the UAE almost zeroed in as a destination such as 2020 version.

The source said, "In the case of the World T20, the BCCI will not take any decision now, but for all practical reasons and the expected third wave, the possibility of a global event after the IPL in the UAE looks like a distinct possibility, "The source said.

Source: https://bit.ly/3i4YdcT