Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others will get a much-needed month-long break after the WTC Final 2023. With India vs Afghanistan series on hold, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not looking to force a series. Instead, during this time, the team will rejuvenate before the West Indies tour.
India Cricket Team has been playing constant cricket. While some of the players have had breaks in between, there has been no stoppage in action. Hence, following a grueling IPL 2023 season, it will be the first time in a year that Team India will hit the reset button. The team will leave for West Indies tour in first week of July.
“Yes, there will be a break after WTC Final. We are still trying to fit in the Afghanistan series. But at this stage, it looks difficult with the broadcaster deal and the West Indies tour. So, it’s the perfect window for the players’ rest,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Why no India vs Afghanistan series?
BCCI and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) were in advanced talks to have a three-match ODI series. Later, there were talks of a T20 series. However, both plans are now on hold.
The primary reason is the absence of a broadcaster. With the BCCI’s deal with Disney-Star expiring with the Australia ODI series, the Indian board does not have a broadcasting partner. While the BCCI was supposed to float the tender for BCCI Media Rights, it is taking longer than expected. Hence, there were talks of a temporary partner for the series.
But as India vs Afghanistan series is unlikely to fetch high value and likely to impact the media rights deal, neither broadcasters and nor BCCI are interested in a temporary arrangement.
Hence, the BCCI is finalising the tenders for BCCI Media Rights deal. Now, instead of the June window, the Afghanistan ODI series will be played sometime in September before or after the Australia series. It will provide both teams with a perfect practice opportunity for World Cup 2023.
“We will try to host the series in September. We are in touch with ACB on possible dates. Once the West Indies itinerary is finalised, we will have a clear picture and finalise the dates for the series,” the official said.
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