The first of the two T20Is between India and Australia, scheduled for February 24th, is shifted from Bengaluru to Vizag due to security reasons. As the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) raised concerns, the venues have been swapped for the T20I series. Now, Bengaluru will host the second T20I on February 27th. Meanwhile, the Aussies will be also be playing five ODIs against India.
KSCA denied providing security
The Police Commissioner informed the KSCA that they would not be able to give the protection; as the Aero India Show, a significant international event will be going on. Moreover, with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also visiting the state on the same day, no guarantee over the security for the players was given.
As a result, the board wrote to Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) asking to swap the venues for the two matches. Furthermore, the move has been approved by the BCCI, as reported by Hindustan Times.
KSCA president, Sanjay M Desai in a letter to ACA general secretary, Arun Kumar said,
“In view of the above, we would request you to kindly consider swapping our T-20 match with yours i.e. you would host the First T-20 match on Sunday, 24th February, 2019 in Vizag and we would host the Second T-20 match on Wednesday, 27th February, 2019 in Bangalore,” the letter read.
Meanwhile, the BCCI acting secretary, Amitabh Choudhary wrote to the Committee of Administrators (CoA), asking for the request to get approved so the preparations could be done. In reply, Diana Edulji, the member of the CoA sent an approval. Therefore, Australia’s limited-overs tour will begin with a T20I in Vizag on February 24th.
However, the five ODIs begins on March 2nd in Hyderabad. Later, Nagpur (March 5th), Ranchi (March 8th), Mohali (10th) and Delhi (13th) will host the four matches.
