Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar suggested that Mumbai could be a backup venue for next month’s India-Bangladesh Test as well as England’s practice matches against the India Under-19 team, reported PTI on Monday.
“As a former captain of India, I feel that if TNCA is unable to host the Under-19 games against England, Mumbai can host it as it has more international venues than any other city in India,” the ex-chief selector told PTI. “Besides, Mumbai also could be counted as the back-up venue for the India–Bangladesh Test match if Hyderabad which is the original venue declines to host it.”
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had reportedly refused to host India Under-19’s practice games against England ahead of the latter’s limited-overs series against India which start from January 15, citing the disruption caused by Cyclone Vardah and the number of domestic matches to host.
There are also doubts over whether Hyderabad can host the scheduled one-off India-Bangladesh Test match in February with reports suggesting that the Hyderabad Cricket Association had emailed the BCCI about their host the match, citing a lack of funds. However, HCA secretary K Manoj had stated that the Test was on as per schedule.
“I believe cricket should always be the priority. These matches are scheduled a long time ago and hosting them shouldn’t be a problem at all,” added Vengsarkar.