Mumbai: The decks have virtually been cleared for the return Kevin Pietersen & Co. Although the England and Wales Cricket Board continues to be silent on the issue, the English Board is believed to have given a formal go-ahead to a revised itinerary suggested by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The BCCI, as requested by the ECB, has moved the first Test out of Ahmedabad. The two Tests will be played in Chennai and Mohali. The dates of the two Tests, however, remain same - from December 11 to 15 and December 19 to 23.
The BCCI, in a release on Monday, stated the new itinerary was subject to the clearance of an ECBs security team but the BCCI and the ECB sources have told this paper that the two boards have come to a sort of agreement over the status of the tour. The two venues, one learns, were suggested by ECB on the advice of its security consultants. In fact, one security consultant is in India already.
The ECBs objection to Ahmedabad, one learns, is because the English team is feeling uncomfortable playing in the Western India. As a result of which, the BCCI has also scrapped the December 5-7 three-day tour match between the Board Presidents XI and the visiting team in Baroda. England team will now directly play the first Test in Chennai without having a tour game prior to that.
Meanwhile, there are fresh doubts about the availability of the top English players. Sources in England say, star players like Freddie Flintoff and Steve Harmision, along with a few other players, may skip the tour. The ECB has already made it clear to its player that no one will be forced to go to the tour. However, Kevin Pietersen is unlikely to get such a concession. Being the skipper, he may have to tour India in the event of a security clearance.
It is learnt that it is not the security as much as the last weeks events in Mumbai that is stopping some English players. One Source said some England players have not yet recovered from the shock of terror strikes in Mumbai. That they could have been there in one of the hotels is something that is scaring the players.
However, reports from England have said that the team could fly back to India on Friday and an announcement might come on Tuesday. When approached for comment, team spokesman Andre Walpole said there have been constant consultations among ECB, BCCI and England players. It has been learnt that the ECB was taking a presentation from its security officials in Lords on Monday evening. However, this could not be confirmed.
