BCCI's honorary secretary Anurag Thakur has said that Delhi may lose the opportunity to host next year's World cup T20 if they fail to host the fourth Test of the four-match series between India and South Africa at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, starting from December 3.
"It's important for Delhi to host the match. If they do not host the Test match, they may lose out on the World Cup T20 to be hosted next year. I think it is an opportunity, which may be not available for Delhi because ICC and BCCI are waiting for the Delhi Government's decision or DDCA decision to host the game," Thakur told ANI here.
"I think in the interest of Delhi. It is important to take a call whether Delhi is keen to host the Test match and T20 World Cup or not. If they don't host the Test match they won't get the T20 match as well," he added.
Expressing his views on the BCCI's recent proposal to the PCB to play limited-over-series in India, Thakur said that if Pakistan are not interested in playing then they would not be forced.
"We have given them the option to play in India. If they are not keen we can't force them to play in India. The only issue is BCCI can host any country which is the full member of ICC as per the Future Tour programs. We have given them the option if they are not keen for it, it's their wish," the 41-year-old said.
Earlier, DDCA treasurer Ravinder Manchanda had expressed his confidence of getting necessary permission from the government as he asked the BCCI to release Rs. ten crore to meet the expenses of the India-South Africa final Test.
The DDCA has been facing charges of financial irregularities after former cricketer and BJP MP Kirti Azad raised the issue.
The Delhi Government had ordered a probe into the issue following a complaint filed by former cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi and other cricketers.
Delhi can lose the chance of hosting the fourth Test between the two sides if it doesn't pay entertainment tax of Rs. 24 crores.
In case, Delhi doesn't get clearance then Pune will host the match.
