Published: Sep 15, 2015, 08:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2015, 08:47 AM (IST)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a nod for the three-match Twenty20 series promoted by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne in the United States. It is reported that a talk with the former cricketers and the former’s persuasion helped them get the clearance from the game’s biggest body. The series is scheduled for November and also it is believed that the ICC had a certain terms and conditions before giving the clearance that were agreed by the duo. There were suggestions earlier that it would be a series of exhibition matches which will also be held around Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates over a three and-a-half-year period. However, for now Tendulkar and Warne will have to stick to this series. READ: Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis on winning Women’s doubles in US Open 2015
According to Times of India, a source said,” For now, it’s one-off. If there are plans of expansion, those can be discussed later.” The international body recently disaffiliated USA Cricket Association wanted a new alliance to run the sport in the country. The source also revealed that a section of the earnings from the three T20 games will go to ICC, which in turn will be used for promotion of cricket in USA.
Sachin and Warne apart, 26 players, including Rahul Dravid, Glenn McGrath, Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist, Sourav Ganguly , Brian Lara, VVS Laxman and Wasim Akram, have been signed up for the series. “These players have big market value and can bring the Americans to watch the game. It can only help the game to grow in the country,” the source added. READ: Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane have similar batting techniques: Steve Waugh
Despite ICC gave its assent for the series, it will not provide any infrastructural support. The promoters will have to organize it and bear the cost. The games will be played on drop-in pitches at three baseball stadiums Wrigley Field (Chicago), Yankee Stadium (New York) and Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles).
