Picture Credit: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly made a late request to England Cricket Board (ECB) to prepone the start of the five-Test series by a week, to make a window for the remainder of the IPL. The request was put in this week and the ECB is yet to respond.
5-match Test series to begin on August 4
The 5-match Test series between India and England is scheduled to begin on August 4. Before this, India will play the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton, starting on June 18.
Notably, the IPL was suspended midway due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases among players and staff.
BCCI desperate to conduct remainder of IPL 2021
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, BCCI is desperate to conduct the remainder of IPL 2021 in September. For now, the series opener is scheduled to be played at Trent Bridge from August 4-8 followed by Tests at Lord's (August 12-16), Headingley (August 25-29), The Oval (September 2-6) and Old Trafford (September 10-14).
However, it will be difficult for the ECB to agree to BCCI's request as it will disrupt the board's plans. With the hotel bookings, bio-bubble arrangement and ticket sales already done, the tweak in the schedule might affect the board financially.