BCCI blames breach of protocol by CSA for series uncertainty

The BCCI today blamed breach of protocol by Cricket South Africa for uncertainty over the Indian team's scheduled tour to that country later this year.
"Things are going (on) since long. Certain things have to be put in right perspective. Let me inform you that BCCI in normal circumstances would have done anything (for the tour to happen). But the protocol of finalising any series is a joint declaration. But that declaration was originally done without the BCCI's approval. So we are waiting," said BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel today.
CSA announced a three-Test series against India as well as an ODI rubber from November-January without consulting the BCCI which turned down the CSA's programme and slotted in an unscheduled tour by the West Indies next month.

BCCI is also reportedly upset with CSA for appointing former ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, who had rubbed some top Board officials on the wrong side in the past, as its new CEO despite hints that such a move could hamper the good relations that existed between the two cricket boards.
The SA tour was not even discussed at the BCCI's AGM held last Sunday in Chennai while the tours by Australia this month to play seven ODIs, and the West Indies (for playing a two-Test and best-of-three ODI series) were cleared.
Patel said the BCCI was not worried about the tour to South Africa, now a truncated tour, as of now.

"There are a number of people available. A number of countries are ready to play with India. There is no problem at all," he said but ruled out any engagements with arch-rivals Pakistan or southern neighbours Sri Lanka to fill in this likely gap in the calendar.
"There is nothing like that at the moment," he shot back.
Patel also said that the tours and programmes committee was never scheduled to meet today to decide on the venues for the series against the West Indies.