England's Limited-Overs Tour Of India Postponed Until Early 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for the postponement and cancellation of some much-awaited cricketing tournaments. The grim situation of the crisis in India has led to the postponement of England’s limited-overs visit to the nation, initially scheduled in September and October this year. The same has been deferred until early 2021.

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BCCI and ECB are still in consultation intending to confirm the schedules of 2021 for the all-format tour of India. The all-version visit to India is slated to take place from late January to late March. Additionally, the Englishmen are also slated to host the Indian team for Tests in the summer of 2021. India and England last locked horns in the bilateral series back in 2018.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI stated that the two boards are working closely to finalise the day-wise schedules of the series as they embark on the road towards resuming cricket. He added that India and England produce some of the most riveting cricket matches and it is imperative to make those happen.

“The BCCI and ECB are working closely to finalise the day-wise schedule as we move towards the resumption of cricket. The India-England series is one of the most anticipated contests in world cricket. The two teams compete hard on the field and provide some riveting moments,” Shah stated as quote by BCCI.TV.

Jay went on to commend both the boards for co-operating well and vowed to reschedule in a way that both red-ball and white-ball rubber to be a comprehensive one.

“I am pleased with the way BCCI and ECB have managed the situation. The rescheduled tour is also being redesigned in a way to accommodate both red and white-ball format and will now be a comprehensive one.,” he added.

England cricket board issues a statement:

ECB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tom Harrison stated that having clarity on the series allows them to work with the other Boards as well to optimise the international schedules in such testing times. He echoed on the part of India-England being one of the most blockbuster series and look forward to resuming ties soon enough.

“Now that we have clarity regarding the postponement of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it enables us to work with other Boards to progress the vital task of optimising the international schedules in the challenging circumstances that we have all been having to address with the COVID-19 pandemic. International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and we look forward to working with BCCI to firm-up the schedules for these eagerly anticipated tours as soon as possible,” Harrison said.

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