England team's India tour is on

By Our Special Correspondent

KOLKATA, NOV. 1. England's tour of India later this year, after all, will go ahead. This is the feeling the Board of Control for Cricket in India president expressed to the media after his meeting with the two visiting England and Walsh Cricket Board (ECB) officials here on Thursday.

The Board president, Mr. J. Dalmiya, who discussed a wide ranging issues including the England team's tour of India for a little more than three hours, informed a packed media gathering at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) that he ``was satisfied'' with the discussion he had with the visiting officials. Apart from Mr. John Carr, director of Cricket Operations of the ECB, the other members present were Mr. Tim O'Gorman, players' representative and Mr. Peter Holland, first secretary of the British High Commission, New Delhi.

Mr. Dalmiya, downplaying the visit of the ECB representatives, asked the ECB to release the final team list by Monday. The Board chief said the focus of the discussion was on the tour and not on whether the tour would go ahead or not.

The three-member team left for New Delhi this evening for a formal meeting with Union Government officials.

The Board president said he was satisfied with the talks and was looking forward to the tour. He said the BCCI was in touch with the ECB once the government of India cleared the tour.

The Board president clarified that in some countries, the security was the concern of the respective Boards.

Dravid to play in Tests

Mr. Dalmiya said Indian vice-captain, Rahul Dravid, will play in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. He said he received a report from the team management wherein it was indicated that the injury was minor and it would not hamper his performance on the field.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Logo, Mascot for World Cup 2003 unveiled
Next     : Pakistan downs a fighting Zimbabwe