INDIA IN SL?
Kohli and Rohit could be seen in action in August © Getty
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has knocked on the doors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a request to host a short white-ball series in August. The proposal comes in the wake of the cancellation of India’s tour of Bangladesh. While the BCCI is yet to formally respond, should the series go ahead, it could see the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – both currently out of two of the three formats and playing only in the ODIs – back in action next month.
SLC has proposed six white-ball games – three ODIs and three T20Is – the same number India were scheduled to play in Bangladesh, during the August window. However, the BCCI is still weighing its options. Much will depend on its decision regarding the Asia Cup, a call that is being keenly awaited by stakeholders, particularly the Pakistan Cricket Board-chaired Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“There is a request pending from the SLC, but we have not decided on it yet. We will have to see the situation with the Asia Cup. Everything is interlinked,” an informed source told Cricbuzz on Tuesday (July 9) evening. This is not to suggest that both the Asia Cup and the Sri Lanka series cannot take place, but the BCCI, naturally and appropriately, wants to consult with players and coaches before arriving at a decision.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will be in London this week for the Lord’s Test, and discussions with the players, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are likely during or after the match. The BCCI is expected to respond to SLC’s request following those consultations.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the biggest stars of Indian cricket and both now retired from the longest (Tests) and shortest (T20Is) formats, are expected to feature in the ODIs if the BCCI approves the SLC’s request. India were originally scheduled to play six white-ball matches in Bangladesh from August 17 to 31, but the series was deferred to next year, with both the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board citing international commitments and scheduling convenience as the reasons.
Asia Cup call in 2-3 days
Meanwhile, a decision on the Asia Cup is expected in the next couple of days and it depends on the BCCI position on the continental championship in which arch-rivals Pakistan, with whom the country was engaged in military conflict not too long ago, will be involved.
As the host of the tournament, the BCCI will have to take the final call, a decision that will naturally be guided by the advice of the Government of India. The Asia Cup is expected to be held from September 17 to 27, provided the Government of India gives its approval. However, a formal nod is still awaited.
© Cricbuzz
