Delhi doubtful to host World T20 matches

Delhi remains in doubt to host matches during the World T20, as ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI, the tournament host, has already put in place a back-up plan with Nagpur and Bangalore to be the likely new venues.

Of the four matches which were scheduled to be held at Feroz Shah Kotla, three group games are likely to be shifted to Nagpur while the first semi-final, on March 30, could be played in Bangalore. Officials privy to the matter said that a final decision on the venues would be taken by the ICC on February 9.

That a conclusive decision has not yet been reached is because it remains unclear whether the BCCI has granted the extension sought by the Delhi & District Cricket Association to get the approvals from various Delhi government civic agencies.

After the Delhi High Court rejected its appeal last week to intervene in getting the no-objection certificates from the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the DDCA sent BCCI a request seeking extension till February 10. According DDCA acting president Chetan Chauhan, the DDCA had not yet heard from the BCCI till Thursday evening. "We have not heard anything from the BCCI. But we are going ahead getting the clearances and with our preparations for the tournament," Chauhan said.

As per the original schedule, Delhi was to host four matches: England v Qualifier (March 23), England v Sri Lanka (March 26), Sri Lanka v South Africa (March 28), as well as the first semi-final.