BCCI trying to squeeze in Tests in place of ODIs; might happen as early as February 2010 — vs SA at home.
The Sachin Tendulkars, Rahul Dravids, VVS Laxmans of Team India need not worry.
Even the MS Dhonis can breathe easy. India may get to play a few more Tests than expected, after all.
For the record, the Indian Board officials are careful to cite the current FTP obligations which, approved in 2006, runs till May 2012 but according to highly-placed sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India, moves are afoot to explore possibilities if a few Test matches can be squeezed in the existing Future Tours Programme (FTP).
The BCCI seems to have taken note of the media reports — national and international — against its ‘reticence’ to play Test matches. Sources say negative press apart, the Board itself is keen to give its team the best possible chance to maintain the newly-acquired No.1 status in ICC Test rankings.
The Board is trying to figure out the feasibility of tweaking the FTP. Everything is still at a planning stage and consent of other boards is also a necessity but recent history shows that few boards oppose a BCCI proposal.
Barring a two-Test series in Bangladesh next month, India are not scheduled to play any five-day games till the November 2010 home series against New Zealand. However, the BCCI has spotted windows of opportunities in the two home ODI series — against South Africa in February-March and Australia in October when the sides are to play five and seven ODIs, respectively.
The options being thought of are conversion of both series into a two-Test and three-ODI arrangement.
Whether the BCCI officials have touched base with their counterparts in Cricket Australia could not be ascertained but Cricket South Africa has confirmed to DNA that it has received such a proposal from India.
“We have received a proposal from the BCCI to play two Tests and three ODIs when we visit India. We are looking into it,” said Gerald Majola, the CEO of the South African board. When contacted, BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said he is “aware” of the concerns but did not elaborate.
India have a packed schedule till the 2011 World Cup. Following the current Sri Lanka series, they are off to Bangladesh to play a tri-series besides the two Tests followed by a five-match ODI series against South Africa and also the IPL in March-April. Thereafter, the team is off to the West Indies for the World T20, followed by a likely tri-series in Zimbabwe and Champions League T20 in September. India then host Australia and New Zealand before going to South Africa in December for three Tests and five ODIs.
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