India to host tri-series ahead of World Cup

India is likely to host a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and the West Indies before the World Cup. The proposed tournament will be scheduled after India's tour of South Africa which commences in December, the Indian board confirmed.

Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, told Press Trust of India: "It's expected to feature Sri Lanka, who have confirmed to take part, and the West Indies after they finish their tour of Pakistan and is likely in January-February."

However, the participation of West Indies in another tri-series in Singapore and Malaysia in September is currently in doubt. The West Indies Cricket Board has yet to reach an agreement with its players over participation in the tournament, which is part of the BCCI's off-shore neutral venue ties. Australia is the third team to participate.

"The series, involving seven matches, would need around 15 days to complete and it would commence not later than September 15 and end before the end of the month," Shah explained. "The West Indies board officials have sought two or three more days grace period from us to confirm whether they can take part after talking to their players. A final decision would be taken before the end of this week. There are other teams who are willing to take the place of West Indies in case they are unable to come."

The BCCI has, meanwhile, approached Sri Lanka and New Zealand to be on stand-by in case West Indies back out. The New Zealand board's response has, however, been guarded.