The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : FTP put off at CA’s request

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Monday, Feb 25, 2008
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FTP put off at CA’s request

Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put off plans to draft its Future Tour Programme (Tests and ODIs between its full members).

Cricket Australia, which is keen to establish an iconic series with India, similar to the Ashes, suggested at the ICC Chief Executives’ Meeting (CEM) at Kuala Lumpur that the FTP post-May 2012 should be planned ‘around India’s programme.’ The FTP is likely to be taken up at the ICC Board meeting in March.

BCCI officials point out that Cricket Australia is convinced that the Indian team is a big draw and scheduled the Commonwealth Bank tri-series matches between Australia and India on Sundays.

“India’s matches have attracted a huge crowd. It’s being openly recognised. We were the last to accept the Twenty20 format and here’s an opportunity for us to stage the IPL.

“India reiterated that its position would be fair and equitable, but because of commercial reasons it would be open to the idea of playing countries like Australia and Pakistan often. We have not asked for a window for the IPL. It’s created a window on its own. I cannot say anything more than this,” said a BCCI official. — Special Correspondent

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