Worried about ratings, Kalmadi asks BCCI to move Oz series

Published>Sat, Jul 03 10 01:18 PM

New Delhi, July 2 -- With the Commonwealth Games a mere three months away, it seems the late arrival of the monsoon, threatening to drench the first half of Delhi's biggest sporting event is not the only concern for organisers. Suresh Kalmadi, the CWG organising committee chairman, is worried that the India-Australia cricket series, scheduled to clash with the Games, might steal some thunder. The Australians are set to arrive in India in early October and play the first Test in Mohali from October 2, a day before the Games begin, and the second Test in Bangalore from October 10-14, also during the games. Kalmadi has written to MS Gill, the sports minister, asking that the cricket series be rescheduled to later dates. "I need not stress the importance of not having any international cricket in India during the Commonwealth Games," wrote Kalmadi. "I am sure you will use your good offices to convince BCCI to reschedule the cricket series." The sports minister has confirmed receiving the letter and has said he would look into the matter, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India isn't exactly ruffled. "The season is packed and there are very few windows in which series can be planned," a Board official told the Hindustan Times.

India will also play three one-dayers against Australia - Kochi (October 19), Goa (October 22) and Visakhapatnam (October 24).

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