Still reeling from the shock of the series loss to Bangladesh, Team India pulled out of the upcoming Zimbabwean tour which was scheduled for early next month.
Reports suggest a supposed fall out between the BCCI and the Broadcasters Ten Sports who had the broadcasting rights of the series. Other notable reason cited were fatigue, which is justifiable, considering the that the team hardly had a break since the Australian tour last December, leading into the World Cup which was followed by the IPL. India is also set to play Sri Lanka followed by South Africa in a long home tour later this year.
The BCCI’s problems with the Essel Group dates back to the Rebel Indian Cricket League’s days, which was later shut down by the board. The problems could intensify if the current issue goes unresolved as the telecasting rights for the forthcoming Sri Lankan series are also with Ten Sports, although the board subsequently has invited bids for the tour’s broadcasting rights.
Earlier reports suggested that the Zimbabwean Tour could have been postponed to next year if the ongoing issues weren’t resolved.
“If the matters take too long to resolve, ZC and the BCCI might mutually agree to push the tour to next year,” Zimbabwean Cricket chairman Wilson Manase said. “There have been reports that an issue over Zimbabwe Cricket’s broadcasting partner is threatening the forthcoming India tour to Zimbabwe. The position is that ZC is in constant contact with both the BCCI and Ten Sports, over issues which should be resolved before the tour,” the Zimbabwean Cricket statement released.
India was scheduled to play three ODIs and two T20s in Zimbabwe from July 10.
