Completely agree with you. Infact it only affects 1 person - Dhoni. You cannot get everything. He can play champions league and then play the test as well..It would be extremely difficult but then if he wants to play everywhere(actually the sponsors) then he can take thnat much pain...First of all he may not even reach the finals of the champion league....AS fas as BCCI is concerned, ground fans do not exist...only TV audience matters.

The BCCI have asked. Their request will probably get rejected so calm down dear. Having read a couple of your articles I question why you bothered to go to India as you seem determined not to enjoy it. If the BCCI are such monsters why put rupees into their coffers? Boycott and spare us all the hysteria.

BCCI should just give Dhoni a break and ask somebody else to captain the 1st test if his team makes it to the finals of champions league. Just for an individual's sake, postponing a test match is not good for cricket and that too for something like champions league ahead of test cricket where there's no surety of Chennai reaching the champions league finals or the better option for Dhoni is to miss the finals of the champions league.

Hopefully the ECB will think of the fans this time and refuse to agree to this ridiculous proposal, which would only allow two days' rest between the Tests, and that would include time spent travelling. Unfortunately the ECB doesn't have a very good track record when it comes to thinking of the fans, does it? Last time we toured India, the ECB asked for the tour to be moved forward by a week after many of us had already booked our flights.

I first thought that this was a request for a possible future tour which i did not know about. Was stunned to realise it is for the present tour. Who changes dates in the middle of a tour ??? BCCI is run by a bunch of jokers. And yes I am a passionate fan of Indian cricket.

Hello, Paul, you are right on with both your posts. I am an avid Indian fan, but the BCCI's behavior over the past one year has left many Indian fans holding their noses. The BCCI's run by bullies who don't care a whit about their own public's opinion (or else why withhold tests from Calcutta or Chennai in favor of Ahmedabad and Mohali), what to speak of other countries' Boards or cricketing public. Instead of making an example of Gambhir and sending a clear message that no player's above the law, they almost pursued conflict over his (deserved) one-test ban. Their behavior over the Harbhajan incident last year in Australia was scandalous, regardless of the facts of the case. For now, the (monetary) power's with the BCCI, but if they end up killing the goose that lays all these golden eggs, they are going to find that all the other Boards will gleefully unite to get them in future. Pride always leads to a fall!

I totally accept with Paul. I'm an Indian and I really hate to say this, but BCCI is really trying to bend the rules the way it wants. We've got a lot of money and other cricket boards don't have any choice left but to abide by BCCI's.
Lot of fans (especially people who travel to watch the game) will be in big soup because of this date change if it happens.

THIS IS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY. BCCI should learn to respect a schedule and act accordingly. in football if national duty is there the footballers have to skip the club matches no matter how important they are...cricket should follow the same footsteps...or else its going to die a peaceful demise. BCCIs bullying/monopolising is becoming very gross day by day....

It's ridiculous. BCCI needs to get its priorities right. Why change dates because a player is going to find it difficult to play in both matches. Leave it upto the player to decide what is important. Playing a test match for your country or a T20 game for your franchisee. There was no need for the Champions league so soon in the first place. They could have introduced it after first establishing leagues around the cricketing world. They are killing the golden goose and there is no doubt about it.

Dear Paul, Thanks very much for your blog on cricinfo. We of the Board of Cricket Control in India are deeply appreciative of your views and respect your opinions. For us each and every fan counts.
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Yeah, right !!

The BCCI does not give a hoot. It is sad but true. Hopefully, if the media takes up this cause, and enough of a noise is made about this, the BCCI may be persuaded to change their minds.

I do hope you get to see a full match, whatever the duration !

Responding to "Tony" that the "The IPL is mony-driven rubbish watched by the clapping seals that attend Indian one day cricket"
So as opposed to watching gripping equal strength teams competing in nail biting finish matches, you want to watch one sided drubbing, that India delivers to England, the clapping seals have nothing to clap for on the English side. How about England improve their game, instead of hurling abuse on a tournament where sponsors are more willing to throw moolah on.

I see this as a quid pro quo. The ECB will agree, and in return will get the issues related to equity in the T20 Champions League, English player participation in the IPL & Indian player participation in the EPL sorted out.

But obviously this is a ridiculous attempt by the BCCI. Lalit Modi is the chairman of the T20 Chumpions league, so clearly he was involved in the planning process.

If Dhoni wants to play the test, he can turn up. Otherwise he can stay wherever the T20 game will be played.

One sided or not? Any day test cricket is better! You can never differentiate a normal player and a legend in T20! But it requires true talent to perform well in test for a long period of time! Its fans like you RANJEET that's going to kill INDIAN cricket! Wait and watch! Before you abuse someone think dude! Even after one sided DRUBBING England are looking down at india in the ODI rankings! So before you talk THINK DUDE! You are the kind of fans who throw garlands on players when they win and bring down their houses when they lose! But had you chosen once to THINK, Indian cricket would have been number one atleast once! Did you know why not so legendary players like hayden , ponting, mcgrath were able to do for australia what HUGE NAMES LIKE SACHIN , GANGULY, DRAVID could not do to india? Because you fans CHOSE NOT TO THINK!

It is very true that the BCCI is misusing the immense power it has over international cricket; but whats new in that?? Haven't we already seen so many examples of that?
As for some English people who repeatedly abuse the IPL, we all know that the British are jealous that the game is shifting from their hands to India. As the inventors of the game, they want to be able to control it still. Unfortunately, you have to be innovative in cricket, or allow somebody who is to take over!

oh you stupid little drama queen! does the griping ever end? do you actually believe ANYONE should give a *%@* about the 6 english fans who will have scheduling issues?? are you kidding me?

I'm sure if it was up to Dhoni he will have his priorities right and make the right choice. BCCI should just leave the decision to him.

Shame on the BCCI. All the board members of the BCCI must either be sacked or retire. A schedule is a schedule, they are holding to ransom leave alone their players they are holding to ransom all other cricketing boards around the world.If under the circumstances M.S. is still keen on playing both the competitions he should resign.
I don't think India or any other country needs or should live with such self centred captains and board members.
In their books all rules are bendable as long as 'M' is on hand.
Cricket is a sport for all to participate in and enjoy not a wrestling ring where only Mr. Pawar, Mr. Vengsarkar and others govern. They are behaving so much like the present new breed or upcoming leaders in Maharashtra.
Really, they are all behaving likewise.

Dear Ardent cricket fans, i completely agree with all of you. This is really unwarranted pushing the test match by a day to accomodate IPL> Cricket is bigger than the infividual. Also, what nonsense is this two test series & seven ODIs. Instead they couild have cut down on 2 ODIs & had an additional test. Also, like the 2001 - 02 england tour of India, england could have 1st completed the test series in nov-dec, then the bcci conduct the "Glamourous" Champions League & england come back after christmas for the ODIs. Let the pakistan series postponed by 3 weeks. All that bcci had in mind while drawing this tiresome, irksome schedule was the 2nd edition of IPL which will start some time in mid apr 09. before that we tour india for 2 tests (Once again 2 tests is a utter nonsense)& 5 ODIS. bcci keeps propoagting that test matches are the ultimate priorioty but for them IPL is the priority.

Typical of the BCCI(Lalit Modi in particular) to give no thought to any other aspect of the game but the money they'd make!I despair for Indian and
world cricket when power hungry politicians and money hungry industrialists,with no love for the game,have invaded the administration of BCCI.

I'm getting tired of this whole T20 nonsense. Who on earth plans a TWO test match series. Utter brainlessness. And now they want to reschedule the test so that ONE player finds it convenient? Really, Dhoni can do what he likes- go play for money in the chumpions league or play for the country in the test.

And to hell with you, BCCI.

I agree that the fans are being forgotten. I had plans to see the 1st test Aus v SAF in Perth in December and had booked flights and everything only for the WACA to turn around at the last minute and move the test forward 5 or so days so Western Australia could play in the champions league.

I emailed the WACA and they basically said tough luck that my plans are now in ruin because they stood to make a heap of money from Western Australia participating in the champions league.

It's becoming harder and harder to plan trips in advance as you never know when yet another T20 competition will pop up and throw everything into chaos for the countries/players participating.

BCCI's acts of late have been pretty distateful. If Dhoni is so important to Champions league, then he should play in Champions league and forget about the test , simple. And by the way Paul, you are not enjoying India right now. I would suggest that you save yourself of all this trouble and fly back to wherever you came from. Your rants are becoming pretty irritating.

If the change of dates are going to happen to facilate one player & overlook a Test MAtch at the expense of afterall a T 20 match, this is just rubbish, nonsense and thats the last thing Cricket needs. It will be a unfair method & sends a wrong message to the world of Cricket. Dates should not be changed and should go ahead as per schedule.

Sorry, Paul, but as they would say on Tatooine, "if boot now on my foot, kick I must". Get used to it!

I feel for you, but regarding Ahemdabad - don't we deserve to see cricket too? It is a city with a population of 4.5 million. I am sorry you aren't excited about it, but it would be a tragedy if they took away Tests from so many people. We deserve to be able to watch the game too. It's not like it's a small town.

Could you be a bigger whiner? England's going to lose the test matches anyway, so go do something better.

This just shows the unprofessional behavior of BCCI. If they wanted Dhoni to play in Champions league as well as the first test, they should have planned it when the schedule was finalized. But again, you cant really expect much from BCCI, can you ?

Paul - Your rants have become too irritating. You do not like India then pls leave and dont waste our and your time while watching this series. For you BCCI can do no good. Even in this episode, if you can bother to read comments from Avv, same situation happened for SA fans going to Aus for test series but nobody minds that but when BCCI does that, it is money minded. Every board in same situation as BCCI would have done that but people crib about BCCI only.

In today's time, BCCI is surely tryin to take over ICC. It's completely selfish on there part to ask for a move of dates. First of all, b4 the start of IPL it was told that it will never come in the way of national commitments, and now they are tryin to change the date for a Test match so that they can accommodate the CL finals. Instead of being a representative of India in the Cricketing world, they are fast turning into a money sucking parasite living on Cricket. It is very important for other boards to start opposing them to suppress them otherwise Cricket will just become money earning mechanism.

Give a man his due. After calling you a 'moaner' following your last missive, you have my sympathies. ECB ought to resist BCCI's atempts to change things at the last minute. Ahmedabad may not be Taunton for some of the travelling barmies, but that does not imply one has to stick it any longer than absolutely necessary.

This is second no-brain move by BCCI in less than a month. Few days ago it appealed against one test ban imposed on Gambhir. Now for the sake of one player(Dhoni), it wants 1st test match between England and India to be delayed. WOW! can you believe it, i don't think Protugal will defer even their football match with minnows, if Ronaldo wants rest. He is far superior fish for multi-national company and real madrid, Dhoni's importance and money they(sponsers and IPL) have invested is a drop of water infront of the pay Ronaldo gets. So, why such a big fuss for Dhoni? I have seen many poor people becoming rich and also drastic change in their attitude. Same thing applies with BCCI. We should soon have to make a concrete plan to sail cricket out of dangerous wave of money. If BCCI was headed by the man with cricket in his blood, we never had come across such stupid and emotionless decision(to request for a delay of test match for a poster boy).

Well Mr. Paul don't blame the BCCI. They are not to be blamed here. I say this because some of the Indian players themselves are responsible for the board's cockiness. The BCCI now is no more than a sugar daddy to some 'superstars' of Indian cricket and they intend to manipulate the patience and minds of fans.

As far as the English fans go, they have a history of complaining about sub-continental travel. Folks please remember that India is a massive nation unlike tiny England. The Indian board is trying to reach out every region in India. I agree with the Eden Gardens being a cricketing Colosseum however what about lesser known venues like Ahmedabad, Guwahati etc. Aren't the people there entitled to watch some cricket ? it also provides you English fans to see more of this magnificent land known as India. So please cut the complaint and enjoy your trip.

In the end, the BCCI has to look at the fans and not just Dhoni or any other solitary member of the team.

Come on Paul! One of the charms of cricket is how its influenced by the vagaries of nature. The soil condition, the wind, rain...... just add the wishes of BCCI to that list!!

Dhoni opted out of the Tests against Sri Lanka pleading fatigue. So, again it's up to him, if he can't play the Test because he is going to be too tired, that's just too bad. Why don't they reschedule the Champions Trophy by moving eberything up a day ? I am with you on this one,Paul.

When have the fans ever been considered in India? At the ground or watching it on the telly and missing live action for ads of the latest Tissue Paper technology, we are consistently ignored. The problem is there are 1 billion fans, so even if a few try to take a stand on principles, there are those that will replace us, bottom line, no effect to the BCCI's bottom line- no effect.
All cricket bodies harp on about how they need or want ex players as members to get an 'insiders' view on the game and how it should be played and organised, how about a representative of the people that actually pay their bills, us, the fans. Hope it bites Modi and like in the bottom - line.

Hats off to all those who choose to travel to india and watch cricket matches live! Its far more comfortable to watch them on TV.

This whole thing about playing for a nation is taken far too seriously. Its the game of cricket that people would be interested in, I'd rather see mixed teams with multiple nationalities(franchises or not) than strong national teams. This way you find the best of the best and the real test of teamwork is displayed amongst so many different languages/cultures. And its asinine to keep bringing down IPL because there is more money in it. And "Krisha" yes, I would throw garlands on the current breed of players, they have provided the fans with character and backbone that NONE of the previous generations(before Ganguly) could even come close to. Krishna, I won't add to your incoherent ranting. Paul, instead of whining, have you tried rescheduling your flights/bookings ? :)

First of all, there is no guarantee that CSK would make the final of the Champions League... Secondly, if CSK do make it to the final it's up to MS Dhoni to decide whether playing for & captaining your country in a Test Match is more important or captaining the CSK in the Champions League final is.... And even going by BCCI's request, would just a day more be enough for a 'National Team Captain' to be ready for a "Test Match" ?? If CSK make it to the final, Dhoni shouldn't play or if he wants to, then replace him. Its that simple.

Test Matches are planned in advance through the FTP & BCCI being one of the member Board have already agreed for the Dec-11 start. Many people, fans & authorities would have already made arrangements. It's simply ridiculous to ask for a postponment now. BCCI should behave like a responsible Head of a Country's Cricket Establishment. If the Test is postponed it would set a bad precedent. MS Dhoni should decide what he wants to do, no one else should !

I agree with you...thats a really lame move by the BCCI. I really feel for you, and 3 weeks before a test match is ridiculous. I hope the ECB rejects the offer.

Stop whinging Paul.. it is only a day.. you make it appear as if they have committed high treason and asked for 2 months... Perspective will get you to stop whining..

paul - we are with you. total lack of respect by the bcci towards the paying public and that too visiting fans. you deserve a better deal.

for that matter when did fans EVER matter to the BCCI? its money money money all the time for them

While everybody is blaming the BCCI for a botched up schedule, only 2 tests and what not lets not forget that such a schedule has been forced because of the English cricketers' insistence on going home for Christmas. The initial schedule did have 3 tests but it had to be dropped because of this.

I wonder why England don't insist on going home for Christmas when they tour Australia and in fact are quite prepared to play a test match the very next day.Also I wonder why it is never an issue with the English that there are exactly 2 days between the Boxing Day test match at the MCG and the New Year's test match (2nd Jan) at the SCG, but is supposed to be a "ridiculous proposal" in India

Double standards,anyone?

You are being hysterical man, they asked to push a 5 day test match back by one day, and what's more their request might even get denied. Besides, see Anindo's post for the issue with Christmas.

I'm getting sick and tired of this British Mumbai or bust attitude. Forget the BCCI - arrogant board who are simply ripping of India for vested concerns - but why always knock Ahmedabad? There are things to do in and around Gujarat - the stadium's not great but I've seen worse relatively - try Headingly or even that cesspit in South London.

Is my understanding right - your flying out for one day - hardly seems worth the effort! or is that because regardless of your admiration and British politeness - alcohol is actually the overiding reason - it would probably help numb the pain of watching a poor England team.

Get to know the area and you'll find that although a dry state - Gujarat has one of the highest alcohol consumption populations around.

Hi Paul,
I completely endorse and feel sympathy for you. I am from Chennai and I support Chennai Super Kings for which Dhoni captains but I will be last person to be happy if a test match date is changed because of this champions league. This shows poor planning and I pray that the schedule of the test match does not get changed. Test cricket will only survive if people like you ( and also me) who are lovers of real cricket are given a little considertaion and I just hope common sense prevails....meanwhile have a good time in India...and if possible come to chennai to support Chennai Super Kings...surely you would like to see the MAC,Chepauk stadium....the oldest stadium in this great country...

Adios

BCCI again using its foolhardy measures for its own interest.. Being an indian fan, i just hate it that the Indian board is so blatant in its tactics(read as support for Gambhir who should have been banned for more than one test) and nobody can do anything about it.. Ultimately fans bring in their money and I would expect them to learn faster to appreciate intelligence of fans.. And look to further the games interest

Let me start by telling that I am an Indian and and avid Indian cricket fan. But I am not blind; nor have my mental faculties reduced functioning. So, I surely feel quite a bit is amiss hereabouts.
For one thing, I don't know why other boards must accept whatever drivel BCCI dishes out. Just ask BCCI to go and boil its head. If more boards do it, BCCI will come down to earth. And, in doing so, the other boards will be doing Indian Cricket(and World Cricket) a great favour.
But the malice probably goes deeper. Being rather trodden on in the past, the Asian block(riding on BCCI) are out to get their own and are unfortunately trying to overdo things greatly. Slowly, instead of just getting their own piece of cake, they are trying to get the whole cake and the CAKE FACTORY itself! That is what is causing this problem. BCCI must understand - and pretty fast at that - that all their misadventures will be repaid back with interest by the other seething boards, when they(BCCI) are down again.

Fantastic point brother!!! BCCI know about the Champions League since quite a while and still it's acting at the last minute. And what about MSD, if Superkings make the final on Dec 10, he travels from Oz back to A'bad for the game on 11th or even the 12th. Will be in the right condition to play? Trust BCCI to put all the finish India's brightest cricketer's career in jeopardy. Why didn't somebody like Lalit Modi think about this earlier? I hope the ECB does not agree to this and MSD puts country & test cricket ahead of T20 & money.

Hi Paul

I have exactly the same flights as your good self, so am eagerly awaiting this decision. It seems sensible to move it if one of your players is playing the day before - but you move it as soon as you realise, not 3 weeks before!! I am also hoping that Ahmedabad is not nearly as awful as people suggest!!

We are the army, the barmy army...

Unlike your last blog, you make a valid point in this one.

I hate BCCI but I completely agree with 'Kap'. This blogger really needs to just stay at home because he is someone who will just complain about everything!

As a genuine cricket fan, i find the BCCI a discrace. MS Dhoni is Indias captain, his sole focus should be on the Indian Test team, jetting off to the champions league to play a forgetable 20/20 is rediculous.

Greed has taken over indian cricket, such a shame, Dhoni will be burnt out by the time he is 30!

God you are a whinger. While I think the attempt by the BCCI to reschedule the test at the last minute, even if only by a day is ridiculous, your ridiculous gripes are even more so.
Here you are with an opportunity to write something constructive and the best you can do is complain constantly about the cities test matches are held in? How about the fact that the rescheduling request is a preview of the slow erosion of the Test format in favour of the 20/20 format? Also instead of being so self-centered and worrying about a handful of English fans having to travel to Ahmedabad or any other backwater in India, give a thought to the fact that the millions of people who live in these cities have as much of a right as anyone else to having matches scheduled there. If you are so displeased vote with your feet and stop griping like a child. Finally isn't Cardiff hosting an Ashes test match - imagine making Australian fans travel to a backwater in Wales.