BCCI following 'wait-and-watch' policy for Sri Lanka tour

Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that it was too early to comment on the tour considering that it is almost two months away and the situation with regards to the pandemic keeps changing and the government is constantly pushing out fresh directives with an eye on human lives.

"Wait and watch is what we are following for the moment. It is still two months away and like we have said time and again, safety is priority and we will abide by the directives issued by the government. Too early to answer the question whether the tour will happen or not. We have not taken any decision as of now.

"Also, the situation with regards to the pandemic is constantly changing and the government has been on top in an effort to control the pandemic and help normalcy return. So, we will take a call when the time is appropriate," the official said.

According to a report in 'The Island' newspaper in Sri Lanka, BCCI had confirmed to their Sri Lankan counterparts that the postponed series between the countries can go ahead provided the Indian government gives clearance.

The tour is supposed to consist of three ODIs and as many T20Is, previously scheduled for June but had to be postponed due to travel restrictions in both the countries.

Asked whether the series will be played behind closed doors, an official told 'The Island' that this is not what Sri Lanka Cricket wanted. "Ideally, we would want to fill up 30 to 40 percent of the venues. Spectators can maintain the one meter distance and watch games. However, the final call will be made by health officials. We will follow all their instructions," he said.

As per Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Shammi Silva, the country will also host the Asia Cup with the six-nation tournament being shifted from Pakistan to the Island Nation as India refused to travel to Pakistan. Silva said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is okay with Sri Lanka hosting the event.

"We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation," Shammi Silva was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan media outlet 'Ceylon Today'.

"We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," he added.

Meanwhile BCCI is in talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for a limited-overs series between the women's team after the initial plan to play a bilateral series comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is in July was postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We were supposed to travel to England in July for limited-overs series. Now that has been postponed and we are waiting for fresh dates. There are some talks going on as to when to hold the series," BCCI GM Cricket Operations Saba Karim told IANS on Wednesday.

"However, nothing has been finalised as of yet," he added.

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison has however said that they are in talks with the BCCI and Cricket South Africa for a tri-angular series.

"We're talking to the BCCI and Cricket South Africa about bringing their women's teams over to play a tri-series," Harrison said during the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast.

"So we've something to celebrate with the women's game, in September this year. We're desperate to continue the momentum, the growth in the women's game which has been so astonishing in the last few years," he added.

England are scheduled to host the West Indies men's team for a three-Test series, set to be played in a "bio-secure environment" next month. The first Test is slated to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton (July 8-12) with the second and third matches at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 16-20 and then July 24-28. (IANS)

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