US grounds not ready for India-Windies ODIs

'If the WICB remains intent on North America, then the three ODIs are going to be played next year' - Bindra © Getty Images Enlarge

India and West Indies may play three one-day internationals in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in September, as it seems unlikely that the USA Cricket Association will have its grounds ready in time for the scheduled matches.

"While we're hopeful, I fear the US won't be in a position to have two grounds ready by September," IS Bindra, a member of the Indian board's marketing committee, told The Telegraph, a Kolkata-based daily. "We've been looking at Florida, New York and New Jersey.

"We've given that [Singapore/Kuala Lumpur] option to the West Indies. In fact, we've even suggested the matches could be played in Europe."

The ODI series is part of a deal struck between the West Indies and Indian boards before the ICC met to decide on World Cup hosts after 2007. According to Bindra, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is keen to have the matches in North America, with Toronto to host one of the matches. But the problem is that the grounds in the US will have to pass ICC inspection, even if they are ready by September.

"If the WICB remains intent on North America, then the three ODIs are going to be played next year," Bindra said. It should be clear within a fortnight where the matches will be played.