We have offered to play two extra T20Is in England next July, willing to play a one-off Test too: Jay Shah

Since the cancellation of the fifth and final Test between England and India, which was supposed to be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester, there have been several stories emerging. What is for sure is that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have faced a sizable amount of losses because of the cancellation. 

Now, it has been reported and confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered ECB to play two additional T20Is to settle the matter down and help the English board recover some of their losses.  However, this offer has been made on one condition. ECB has been pushing for BCCI to accept that the game was forfeited as the losses then will be covered by the insurance company.

However, BCCI has stood firm on their claims that the match was indeed cancelled due to COVID, and not forfeited. The offer of the two additional T20Is during India’s tour to England next year will remain if ECB doesn’t push for forfeiture. 

Jay Shah clarifies that BCCI offer will remain only if ECB doesn’t push for forfeiture

“It is correct that we have offered to play two extra T20Is when we visit England next July (only for the white-ball games). Instead of three T20Is, we will play five T20Is. Alternatively, we will be willing to play a one-off Test as well. It is up to them to choose either of the offers,” Shah told Cricbuzz. 

It is important to note that the offer made by BCCI states either a one-off Test or two extra T20Is. India is scheduled to tour England for three T20Is and three ODIs next year in July. The total loss of ECB due to the cancelled Test has been estimated at around 40 million pounds. If the match is deemed to be cancelled due to COVID, then the ECB won’t be able to claim insurance for that. 

It should also be noted that there have been reports that ECB has gone to the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). Their demand is to deem the Manchester Test as a forfeiture from the Indian contingent.