It is inevitable that India’s tour to South Africa in November ‘“ December this year will be shortened. BCCI has organized a West Indies tour in between, mainly to facilitate Tendulkar’s 200th test in India and has given the green signal to the New Zealand tour.
It is inevitable that India’s tour to South Africa in November – December this year will be shortened. BCCI has organized a West Indies tour in between, mainly to facilitate Tendulkar’s 200th test in India and has given the green signal to the New Zealand tour. This entire saga means, Cricket South Africa is now certain to suffer a loss.
Earlier this year, everybody knew that Sachin’s 200th test would be in the African nation. As per the FTP, Team India was scheduled to travel to South Africa post the conclusion of the ODI series against Australia back home. However, BCCI decided to have Sachin’s 200th test in India which ultimately means BCCI rakes in the moolah. CSA would have earned a lot had Sachin’s 200th test taken place over there.
The larger chunk of the loss would be from TV broadcast rights. Ten Sports is the official rights holder to broadcast cricket from South Africa to the sub continent. So over here, STAR gains over Ten Sports as STAR gets to showcase an additional home series while Ten Sports will have to live with a shortened India series. The India series is the marquee event on Ten Sports and such series are the reason why broadcast companies bid big.
Another possible loss to the rainbow nation is the impending retirement of the Master. Many former greats and experts believe that Sachin’s 200th test may be his last hurrah on a cricket pitch. If this is so, then CSA will again have to start counting its debts. Sachin is one of the biggest crowd pullers around the world. Especially as Sachin only plays in Test Matches nowadays. So if Sachin does retire, then it won’t be just Indian fans who will be disappointed but also the CSA officials.
Media reports suggest that BCCI is undertaking such tactics as they are not in favor of Haroon Lorgat becoming the new CEO of CSA. Lorgat was one of the main stays during his ICC days to have issues with the BCCI. Now if the CSA decides to relieve Lorgat of his duties then this would be an embarrassing situation for the South African board as it would be seen as a decision made under the BCCI’s pressure.
With just a couple of months to go, the South African tour itinerary is still not been finalized. It’s highly unlikely that the tour will be cancelled, but the chance of the tour being shortened is 100%. So it’s BCCI’s gain and CSA’s loss!
