India vs South Africa in doubt

India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa in Ireland has been thrown into doubt. Zee TV, who were due to screen the series, and the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) have cancelled their TV-rights deal, according to Zee’s senior vice-president.

Ashish Kaul told the Press Trust of India: “We have decided to scrap the deal. This is because of the double-standards adopted by the BCCI. While Nimbus were given a hefty rebate on the renegotiated price, they have not even bothered to discuss the issue with us. Also, apart from the Ireland and Scotland matches, they have not intimated us the whole calendar.” Nimbus hold the telecast rights for India’s home games until 2008-09.

The series was due to be preceded by one-off games against Ireland for each side. South Africa are now extremely unlikely to tour for that one game, though India, who start a tour of England immediately afterwards, may still be persuaded to play games against the home side. The cancellation is likely to please the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) who had expressed dissatisfaction about the series, as it coincided with England’s internationals against West Indies.