SACA pleads for early end to India tour speculation

The South African Cricketers Association has called on the BCCI and the CSA to urgently work out the itinerary for the upcoming tour by India, saying that the continuing delay is "worrying and frustrating" for the players.

SACA CEO Tony Irish said the series is the highlight of the South African home schedule this summer and should be sorted out quickly.

"This is the main tour of the summer and has a massive financial implication on cricket. We are about six weeks away from it and to have it all up in the air is really worrying and frustrating," Irish told ESPN Cricinfo.

"The players want to see it sorted out. Until yesterday, CSA did not know who they were dealing with at the BCCI because they had not had their election but now that that is sorted it, they need to do whatever it takes to get the discussion going," he added, referring to BCCI AGM where N Srinivasan returned as Board president.

Irish said the financial aspect aside, the players' concerns should also be taken into account by the two Boards.

"The players are stakeholders in the game and will be affected by whatever happens," he said.

"It's not just a financial thing, it's also about the opportunity to play in a high-profile Test series and substantial limited-overs competitions," he added.

World number one South Africa has not played a match since February.

"This is the best Test team we have ever had and it's a very settled unit. They need to be playing in order to keep that momentum," Irish said.

The dispute began after CSA released the tour schedule without consulting the BCCI, which in turn demanded a shorter tour.

The BCCI was reportedly unhappy with the CSA's decision to appoint former ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat as its chief executive. Lorgat had a frosty relationship with the BCCI during his stint with the ICC.

Image: Tony Irish

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