BCCI Confirm Independence Tournament (7 Oct 1996)

7 October 1996

BCCI confirms Independence tournament

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that come May 1997, the country will host a limited overs tournament to mark the 50th anniversary of the country`s Independence.

Board officials said that the BCCI was in touch with various countries to work out the list of participating nations, but no details have been finalised as yet.

One reason for the delay could be that while the Indian board is keen to have Pakistan play in the tournament, the entry needs approval from the respective governments. The two nations had attained Independence from British rule between a day of each other, way back in 1947.

While the modalities of the tournament are being worked out, one thing is already clear - given that May marks the height of the Indian summer season, soaring temperatures are likely to force officials into playing day-night games.

As matters stand, board officials are attempting to get Sri Lanka and Pakistan to confirm participation, before looking at the fourth nation to make up what is planned as a quadrangular tournament.

Source :: Rediff On The NeT (https://www.rediff.co.in)