New Delhi, December 11: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested Cricket South Africa (CSA) to play two Test and extend the tour by another week when they visit India early next year and do away with two ODI’s.
India have recently risen to the number 1 spot in ICC Test rankings but the dearth of Test matches next year threatens to take that spot away, which also explains their sudden interest in the longest format of the game.
Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola confirmed the news saying,”India have requested we play two Tests and three ODIs and we are still considering it. We still have to consult with the South African Cricketers` Association, the team management, our playing regulations and fixtures committees, as well as the board.
“It would extend the tour by another week, but we would like to accommodate them and I don’t foresee a problem with it,” he added.
South African domestic T20 competition will be underway during that time and reports suggest that the CSA has requested the sponsor Standard Chartered Bank to postpone the semis and final by a week so that the tops players can fulfill their duties with the national team in India and be back in time for the event.
The lack of Test matches between India and South Africa, who are at number two in the Test rankings, had recently kicked up a controversy in South Africa.
–Agencies