India's anticipated white-ball series against Afghanistan is facing uncertainty. According to Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is encountering difficulties in finding a suitable timeframe for the three-match ODI series.
This predicament arises due to the limited time available between the World Test Championship final, scheduled from June 7 to 11, and the full series in the Caribbean from July 12 to August 13, encompassing two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
Initially, the plan was to hold the three games between June 20 and 30, with the squad then departing for the Caribbean around July 7. However, with the expected confirmation of the Asia Cup scheduling in September in the coming days, sources within the BCCI express concerns that the players will be deprived of much-needed rest before the crucial World Cup in October-November.
Apart from this, there are reportedly other reasons contributing to the reconsideration, although the BCCI officials chose not to disclose them explicitly. One potential factor could be the expiration of the BCCI's broadcast deal with Disney Star, with no new tender having been issued yet. While there is a possibility of an interim arrangement, the question remains whether the board will obtain a favorable price in advance of a comprehensive tender for the bilateral series.
Mirwais Ashraf, the president of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), is presently in India, having been invited by the BCCI for the IPL final. The upcoming meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on May 28 presents an opportunity for both boards to engage in discussions regarding this short bilateral series. However, a final decision is yet to be made, and currently, the prospect appears doubtful unless there is a last-minute change.
Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has shared a tentative schedule for the series in the Caribbean, although the BCCI has not yet given its approval. It is understood that discussions between BCCI and CWI officials may take place during the WTC final in London, following which the schedule could be finalized and released.
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