A BCCI official told IANS that the T20I series in Australia might be difficult to arrange considering the 14-day quarantine. He said that the matter is being discussed keeping in mind the schedule of the Indian national cricket team.
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Schedule of Indian cricket team under scanner
According to Cricket Australia’s protocols, the Indian national cricket team has to maintain the 14-day quarantine. At the same time, the cricket board Down Under is keen to fit in a three-match T20I series between India and Australia which was originally planned to be held just before the T20I World Cup. But as per a source’s version to IANS, the series might be difficult for the Indian national cricket team to play. He explained, “The protocols in place in Australia are necessary on account of the pandemic and it’s perfectly understandable. There are no two ways about that.”
He reminded about the pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad that the Indian national cricket team is set to play against England just after returning from Australia. “We were apprised that work is being done on the schedule before it is finalized. They are looking at fitting in the T20I series. India also play England after returning from Australia and that schedule is also being worked out while the pink-ball Test is fixed for Ahmedabad. We need to see how the other venues are placed and the distance from hotels to the grounds and things like that with an eye on the current scenario due to the pandemic. Hopefully, we will have further clarity before the end of the year as working in tandem with the government is a must.”
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Date clash with England Test series
Indian cricket team will meet England in a home Test series immediately after returning from Australia, as per the plan as of now. The official explained how the England series would have to be shifted to February if Indian cricket team has to play T20I series in Australia. “The ODI series in Australia at present ends on January 17 and even if the teams get a two-day breather before starting the T20I series, that would mean that the first T20I can only be played by January 20. Having games on alternate days at the same venue would mean the T20I series ending on January 24. That would see India heading home on January 26 at the earliest.”
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The official further opined, “Even if we imagine that quarantine rules won’t exist in India till then, you cannot have a Test series without at least a gap of 7-10 days as the boys need a minimum time to adapt back not just from white-ball to red, but also the change in timing. So, the England series moves into February.”
