Published: Jul 29, 2016, 11:54 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 29, 2016, 11:59 AM (IST)
Getting a US Visa might turn out to be the biggest obstacle for India and West Indies cricketers as talks of hosting T20 matches in Florida next month get louder. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) officials had further discussions at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, where the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2016 matches are being played right now. An EspnCricinfo source did convey that the discussions have led to further progress but many other hurdles need to be cleared in order for the T20 series in Florida to take place. READ: India, West Indies and Bangladesh set for Tri-Nation T20I series in Florida?
The biggest concern was about securing Visas for the US. According to a source in the stadium, it might take at least 6 weeks for India’s cricketers to secure a Visa for US. India is currently playing a Test series with the West Indies in the Caribbean which ends August 22. READ: BCCI in talks to play 2 T20Is against West Indies in Florida in August
While it is also worth noting that the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill is the only ICC-certified ODI standard stadium available in USA and the dates that have been reserved for cricket use at the facility are from August 24-27. August 28 could become available only if another booking agrees to move.
Availability beyong that might not be possible as Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who play in the North American Soccer League, a second division league, have their training beginning early next month and the Stadium will also host their home matches.
Further discussions between the BCCI and WICB will be held soon to decide the fate of the T20 matches and how they are scheduled.
