The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 has once again shaken the world of sports. Several tournaments and fixtures are either getting postponed or canceled. While a few days ago, New Zealand’s tour of Australia was postponed until further notice over travel complications, the West Indies tour of India also looks in danger.
The white-ball series between India and West Indies is scheduled to begin from 6 February 2022 across six venues. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Cuttack, Vishakhapatnam, and Thirivanthpuram are the six selected cities to host the games. However, according to a latest report, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is skeptical about hosting the six white-ball games at six different venues. Reports also suggest that the Indian Cricket Board is looking to host the ODIs at one venue while the T20Is at the other. Ahmedabad and Kolkata are the two cities currently in line to host the white-ball series.
A senior journalist has shared a thread of Tweets claiming that the first T20I scheduled to be played at the Barabati Stadium is in doubt. It further claims that BCCI’s Tour and Fixtures Committee has suggested holding the three ODIs and three T20Is at two venues i.e. Ahmedabad and Kolkata. However, as per the journalist, Odisha Cricket Association has not received any official communication from the BCCI. Moreover, the reason for holding the six games at two venues is to avoid creating six bio-bubbles.
Have a look at the Tweet here:
The 1st T20I between India and West Indies at the Barabati Stadium is in doubt.
BCCI's Tours and Fixtures Committee has suggested to hold the three ODIs and three T20Is in two venues – Ahmedabad and Kolkata – in light of the rise in Covid19 cases across the country.
— Samiran Mishra (@scoutdesk) January 20, 2022
BCCI is slated to host West Indies and Sri Lanka before IPL 2022
The BCCI is slated to host West Indies and then Sri Lanka in February and March before the 15the edition of the Indian Premier League starts. As stated above, West Indies are scheduled to play six white-ball games (3 ODIS and 3 T20Is) between 6-20 February. After that, Sri Lanka will tour India for 2 Tests and 3 T20Is. The first Test is scheduled to be played in Bengaluru from 25 February while the second Test will be played in Mohali from 5th March. The three T20Is will be played on 13, 15, and 18 March in Mohal, Dharmshala, and Lucknow respectively.
