Scheduled India-West IndiesT20 series in Florida face visa roadblock

It seems as if the proposed T20 series between India and the West Indies may hit a hurdle owing to the obstacles in obtaining the United States visa. Both the WICB and the BCCI are currently engaged in a series of deliberations to hold a T20 series in Florida next month.

Discussions were held at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill in Florida, which is the venue where the six Caribbean Premier League matches are scheduled to be held. Despite all the factors which seem to be working for the 3-match series, logistical hurdles have emerged as the biggest hampering factor. The fact that it may take about six weeks for the Indian players to get their United States visas has become a major cause of concern.

Also, since The Central Broward Regional Park is the only ICC-certified ODI ground in the USA, thus the only dates available are from August 24 to August 27. These are the dates which are targeted by the two boards. The ongoing Test series between India and the West Indies will conclude on August 22 at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.

Also, the T20 series cannot be held immediately as the main team which is the Fort Lauderdale Strikers will play in the North American Soccer League. The Strikers will move into the stadium and will make it their training base, and thus the ground will be mot be available for cricketing matches till at least mid-September.

India will then embark three-Test series at home against New Zealand which starts in Kanpur on September 22. This will be the beginning of a 13-match home series which includes series against England, Bangladesh and Australia.

Deliberations between the BCCI and WICB will take place over the next few days and any decision will be taken considering all the impeding factors.