As a cancellation of the tour seemed likely, the BCCI softened their stance. Giving an idea about the talks between BCCI-ECB, the Indian board’s vice-president Rajeev Shukla said, “We’ve already changed the venues and even taken the matches to a different zone. From our side, India is as safe as England. As far as some players not willing to tour India is concerned, we can’t have any say in that. It’s ECB’s internal matter.”

‘Pick your dates’

More leeway was given to the ECB because of the uncertainty over India’s tour of Pakistan. Sources in the BCCI said that post-terror attacks the tour to Pakistan looked unlikely, giving the Indian team an unscheduled two-month break. “Since we’re aware that India will most probably not tour Pakistan, we were ready to host England whenever it suits them, even a little later if they like,” said a top BCCI official.

Besides, BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi had also said that the board wouldn’t be pressing for any compensation in case England didn’t return.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is busy preparing to host a visiting team once again. Within a month of the India-Australia Test, Mohali now gets a chance to stage another Test. PCA joint secretary GS Walia said, “Mohali has been allotted the second Test. We have formalised our preparations and hosting the Test at such short notice shouldn’t be a problem for the PCA.”

Giving more details, he added: “We were initially asked to host the first Test, but the PCA Stadium has been host to many games this year. We have to keep the dew factor in mind in winters, so hosting both the three-day as well as the first Test would’ve been very difficult. The date for the second Test match is a little farther, so we can make better arrangements. A lot of things such as security and ticketing also have to be taken care of. Foolproof security will be our top priority.”

... contd.