Issue of day-night Test will also be discussed.
The BCCI’s tours and fixtures committee is set to meet on Saturday (March 17) to finalize the venues for Team India’s home season of 2018-19. This will be the first time the venues are been locked in before the start of IPL.
“There have been a lot of logistical hassles in the past, with venues being finalised mere weeks before the match date. State associations need time to work out their own programmes,” a top BCCI official told TOI on Friday.
This move will enable fans to purchase tickets well in advance, a practice prevalent in Australia and England.
“It used to be embarrassing to see people scurrying for tickets a few days before a match. In England, people can plan to watch a match months ahead of the game. It should be the same in India too,” the official said.
The official continued, “Issues like Delhi fighting pollution during October-November need to be addressed. It’s likely Delhi will host an ODI against Australia in February-March rather than a game against West Indies earlier in the season.”
“Last year a lot of India A matches and Ranji Trophy matches overlapped. Some players had to opt out of domestic matches to be fit for international matches. If regular India players can travel with the A team to England before the actual series starts, they can get adequate match practice,” the official added.
The issue of hosting a day-night Test will also be discussed as India will play just two Tests at home, against West Indies.