IPL 2018: BCCI turns down request of ICC to reschedule IPL matches

ICC will have an annual meeting in Kolkata in April.

IPL | GETTY

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused ICC's request to reschedule the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 matches. ICC wanted a change in the IPL roster from April 22-26. It is reported that there will be an annual board meeting during that period in Kolkata. Hence, the world body wanted BCCI to ensure that its members could at least watch a home match of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

"Yes, there was a specific request from ICC as they wanted its various member delegates to watch an IPL game. However between April 22 and 26, there are no home games of KKR at the Eden Gardens," a senior BCCI official told PTI.

KKR has no home game between April 22 and 26. After April 16 their next home encounter is on May 3. 

A small modification in an almost 50-day long tournament's schedule is preposterous. It will affect the whole itinerary. "If we have to reschedule it, the entire itinerary would be in a disarray. So we told them that it's not possible to have an IPL match rescheduled," the official added.

There is an uncertainty over PCB chairman Najam Sethi's presence in the meeting. ICC picked Kolkata over Mumbai to avoid any political protest there over PCB officials attending a meeting in India. However, Sethi's attendance is still doubtable as it won't be easy for him to get visa considering the tense situation.

"If Sethi doesn't get visa, it might well be an indicator about the chances of Pakistan team procuring visa during the Asia Cup in September," the official said.

(With PTI Inputs) 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 26 Feb, 2018

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