BCCI plans T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand before T20 World Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to host the T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand at home before the T20 World Cup. As per a report in the Times of India (TOI), the board is believed to be in talks with South Africa and New Zealand. 

“South Africa and New Zealand are scheduled to come to India to play a couple of T20I series before the World Cup. The modalities are to be finalized. The board is aware that the team needs to be in touch with the format before the Cup starts.” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying to TOI.

The decision bodes well for the team as they don’t have any T20I series scheduled after the ongoing England series. After the IPL, the team will embark on their heaviest ever itinerary of Tests in England. India will start its four-month England tour with World Test Championship Final followed by five-match Test series. They are scheduled to come back from England in mid-September. There are doubts over the organisation of the 2021 Asia Cup too. 

The Proteas were in India last year but the series was indefinitely postponed owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases. However, the upcoming series would be compensation for the last year’s cancelled T20I series. The proposed two T20I series against New Zealand and South Africa will be of great help as it will help India get their combination right before the ICC T20 World Cup. 

[TOI inputs]