BCCI keen to avoid Pakistan Women's team too

After the International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) confirmed that Pakistan will not be included in India’s schedule for four years starting from 2019, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now exploring ways to avoid the arch-rivals in the women’s section too.

The BCCI has also asked the ICC to make the women’s programme a best-of-six tournament instead of involving all the eight nations. According to ICC women’s programme regulations, all teams must play each other in a minimum of three matches, which can be stretched to seven matches in the 50-over format.

A note has been circulated to the BCCI member regarding the same. The note discussed the ‘Decision’ bracket stating, “The ICC Women’s Committee has taken note of BCCI’s apprehension.” It is obvious which country is being referred to when the note talks of ‘Government stand on bilateral ties.’

With regard to the men’s schedule, the note says, “The BCCI team is working closely with ICC and other boards to ensure a proposal which has fixed home season in the next cycle and also is eligible for the Test Championship and ODI league. The BCCI will abide by the Government of India position on bilateral ties,” as quoted by Mumbai Mirror.

“The Board agreed in principle and have asked the members to work together and finalize the FTP for the next cycle.”

India will have to share points if they face Pakistan

BCCI and ICC officials confirmed to the paper that the Indian board can prepare its schedule without having to play Pakistan. However, in the first two years of the cycle, a team is required to only play six teams, with three home and three away games each. It implies that whenever Pakistan is made part of the championship cycle, India may have to lose points or share them as the neighbours have always been ready to play.

The ICC schedule is set to be discussed in Singapore on December 7 and 8.