'BCCI wants to cut short tour of New Zealand'
Reports in the New Zealand media say Indian Board wants to shorten the series against the Black Caps in February-March but is finding it difficult to convince New Zealand Cricket. India are scheduled to play three Tests, five ODIs and a T20 international.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly reluctant to play a full series against New Zealand early next year. According to the ICC's Future Tours Program, India are scheduled to play three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a T20 International during February-March 2014. BCCI, reportedly, is trying to cut short the series in order to accommodate the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, dates of which are clashing with the tour Down Under.
In a report published in the New Zealand Herald, BCCI and New Zealand Cricket are pondering over the length of the series, India's first since 2009-10. While reports have suggested a likelihood of a 2-2-2 break-up, the details are still being worked out.
Clearly, New Zealand Cricket is unwilling to either cut short the tour or split it into two parts - pre and post Asia Cup. "Nothing's been decided. We are working through the details but I think (the schedule) could be done within the next couple of weeks," NZC chief executive David White has been quoted as saying.
New Zealand, it is reported, are also looking for a full-fledged tour as it may well be Sachin Tendulkar's last visit in cricketing gear here.