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.