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BCCI warns it could shift Delhi ODI
The BCCI on Tuesday warned that it would shift the final one-dayer if the Kotla was not ready in time.
The BCCI on Tuesday warned that it would shift the sixth and final One-Day International between India and Pakistan out of Delhi if the Ferozeshah Kotla was not ready in time to host the tie.
Delhi and District Cricket Association is racing against time to prepare the Kotla ground, undergoing massive renovation, for the all-important rubber to be held on April 17.
But board president Ranbir Singh Mahendra sounded the warning bell on Tuesday saying if its pitches and grounds committee did not give the green signal to the venue, Delhi would have to let its chance slip away.
"The chairman of pitches and grounds committee of the board would inspect Delhi soon. If he is not satisfied, the match may be shifted elsewhere," Mahendra told reporters after a meeting of the working committee.
Meanwhile, Mahendra said BCCI would negotiate with the Asian Cricket Council as well as the International Cricket Council to ensure the second tsunami relief charity match is held as scheduled at Kolkata in April.
ACC president Jagmohan Dalmiya had said on Sunday that the high-profile match between Rest of the World and an Asian XI had been called off because it was not feasible to hold the match in April.
But Mahendra sounded upbeat about the prospect of the match being held.
"The match is still on. We are going to play that match. We are negotiating with ACC as well as the International Cricket Council," he said.
The board chief also said that Sri Lanka may tour India for a one-day series later this year. "The tour is not confirmed as yet. But they may come this year for a one-day series."
On claims by some members that BCCI incurred losses in crores over sale of telecast rights for the Australia and South Africa series, Mahendra said: "I can't say it was a loss.
"Whatever we did then was correct and the decision was taken considering the situation then."
He said the working committee sought an explanation from secretary of Saurashtra Cricket Association Niranjan Shah for making such a claim.
"Shah admitted that the figures stated by him were exaggerated and expressed regret, following which the matter was closed."
