India exploring possibility of a series against Sri Lanka

[minisoji]

NEW DELHI: India is exploring the possibility of playing a brief One-day series against Sri Lanka to compensate for the cancelled tour of Pakistan.

The BCCI officials have already started discussions with Sri Lankan authorities on the proposed series which could be held in mid-February.

The BCCI has incurred a loss of Rs 120 crore because of cancellation of two ODIs against England and the tour to Pakistan in the wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai and is keen to recover some of the losses.

"We are discussing the possibility of playing a short series against Sri Lanka. We are working on an itinerary which will be acceptable to both the Boards", a top BCCI official said.

"So far we have got a good response from Sri Lankan officials and we are hopeful that the series will materialise", he said.

With Sri Lanka having already confirmed a tour of Pakistan to fill in for India's cancelled trip, the series may take place immediately after the islanders return from their tour of Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge has also confirmed that he was discussing the series with the BCCI.

"We are about 60 per cent certain that we could arrange a series for the Sri Lanka team with India shortly. We have had successful discussions with the Indian Cricket Board and at the moment we are finalising the schedule," Lokuge told the 'Daily Mirror'.

[plotastic]

Well i didn't know they were "exploring" the situation, it's good to know in a way.