India proposed white-ball series vs Afghanistan under a cloud

India's proposed white-ball series against Afghanistan looks doubtful. Cricket Mazza understands that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is finding it difficult to schedule the three-game ODI series in the limited time available between the World Test Championship final (from June 7 to 12) and a full-fledged series in the Caribbean from July 12 to August 13 involving two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.

It's understood that the idea initially was to hold the three games between June 20 and 30 with the squad then leaving for the Caribbean around July 7. Now with the Asia Cup scheduling in September expected to be confirmed in the coming few days, sources in the BCCI say the players will be deprived of rest ahead of the more important assignment of the World Cup in October-November.

There are apparently a few other reasons for the rethink as well but the BCCI officials were not willing to specify. One possible reason could be that the BCCI's broadcast deal with Disney Star has ended and the new tender has not come out yet. There is always a possibility of an interim arrangement but whether the board will get the right price ahead of a full-fledged tender for the bilateral series is a big question.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) president Mirwais Ashraf is currently in India, having come here on the invitation of the BCCI for the final of the IPL. There is also a meeting of the ACC on the sidelines of the May 28 final and the two boards may utilise the opportunity to engage in talks over this short bilateral series. Although a final decision has not been taken, at this stage it looks doubtful, pending a last minute change of heart.

Dates for WI series may to be discussed during WTC

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that Cricket West Indies (CWI) has sent a tentative schedule for the series in the Caribbean but the BCCI is yet to sign off. Cricket Mazza learns that there may be some discussions between the BCCI and CWI officials during the WTC final in London and the schedule could be released after that.