BCCI denies Test-cancellation rumours

SK Nair, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has denied rumours that South Africa would play only one-dayers against India during their forthcoming tour. "I have also seen these reports, but nothing is finalised as yet. We are still in negotiations with our counterparts in the South African board and the itinerary will be finalised within the next few days," he told Wisden Cricinfo from his home in Thiruvananthapuram.

Newspaper reports had suggested that South Africa would play only one-dayers - seven of them - when they toured India later in the year. Nair did admit that scheduling was becoming extremely difficult, with the cricket calendar being crammed. "Even the number of days South Africa will come here for is not yet decided. At the moment everything is tentative. We have suggested that South Africa play Test matches also."

Nair confirmed that Australia will only play Tests when they tour India, just before the South African tour. "Australia host Pakistan in November, so the time available for them was less. It is true that we played one-dayers when we were in Australia last, and usually these things happen on a reciprocal basis, but sometimes you have to make adjustments." Apparently the Australians have also requested a gap of a week between the second and third Tests, so they have a chance to recuperate.

A quick look at the proposed international calendars of South Africa and India shows that they will be able to play Tests against each other only in March-April 2006 if this window of opportunity in October-November is missed. However, England's tour of South Africa starts in early December, so the South Africans have to be back home in time for that.

"We are keen to also play Tests against South Africa," said Nair. "We have requested them to play two Test matches, but we have to see whether it can be fitted in." Only series containing two or more Tests are recognised and included in the ICC's ten-year Test Championship.