IND vs WI: BCCI contemplating hosting the white-ball series at one venue

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating hosting the upcoming limited-overs series against West Indies in one venue. Over one lakh positive cases were registered on Thursday (January 6), which has caused panic in BCCI. Earlier, it had already postponed the Ranji Trophy, Col CK Nayudu Trophy, and Senior Women’s T20 League for 2021-22 due to the impending threat of COVID-19.

Advertisment

According to reports on Cricket.com, the BCCI are also planning to host the upcoming six white-ball games in just one or two venues. West Indies are due to arrive in India in early February to play three ODI and three T20Is for a tour spanning two weeks. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Kolkata were set to play to the ODIs, while Cuttack, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram were slated to host the three T20Is.

However, the BCCI are now pondering over conducting the entire series in one or a maximum of two venues. It is also to be noted that the series will be played behind closed doors. “Things look bleak and we are positioned to hit the peak of this third wave in February. Organizing matches in six venues will add logistical nightmare,” a BCCI functionary told Cricket.com.

A state association official confirmed that there is no update from BCCI to host the upcoming six white-ball games in one venue. However, he has denied the reports as well.  India are currently in South Africa for the Test and ODI series. They will return from the country on January 23. India will then play the first ODI against West Indies on February 6.