India-England Rajkot Test to take place as scheduled

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has assured that the opening Test of the India-England test series at Rajkot will go on as scheduled despite the ongoing legal battle between the BCCI and the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee. Doubts surrounded the series after the court ordered to freeze BCCI’s funds to its constituent state associations. Similar concerns were raised ahead of the third Test between India v New Zealand Test series at Indore. However, the venue assured things will pan out according to the schedule.

SCA Honorary Secretary Niranjan Shah insisted, “The apex’s court direction to BCCI to restrict funds to its affiliated state associations will have no negative impact on the first India-England Test match. The Test match or any international event cannot be cancelled or postponed for want of funds.”

On Friday, Supreme Court had ceased BCCI’s funds to its state associations until board President Anurag Thakur and other senior officials undertook assurances to implement Lodha panel’s reforms completely. But, Shah played down financial concerns and went on to claim that SCA was ready to host the first Test even if funds from the sport’s national body would not be distributed to his association.

He reiterated, “Generally, BCCI’s affiliated associations do not depend on funds released from the board. They (associations) bear the expense and the reimbursement process is a day-to-day procedure. SCA would be able to bear the match expenses even if we do not receive the funds.”

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The opening match of the 5-Test series will be played at Rajkot from November 9. Incidentally, this would be the first ever Test hosted by the city and should feature a couple of home-town players such as Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara. Currently ranked number one in the format, India will be hoping to continue their impressive form in the England series as well.