The decision by the Australian government to close its border for the next six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse impact on India’s Futures Tours Program (FTP), including the much-awaited Down Under face-offs later this year.
India’s Australia tour is to begin in October with a T20 tri-series and conclude in December with the Tests. The T20 World Cup, set for a start on October 18, is in between, but the future of the mega-event is still shrouded in doubt due to the global health crisis.
Over 2000 positive cases were registered in Australia, along with 16 deaths, causing the government to seal the borders of the country.
BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly is currently looking out for alternatives in the midst of the pandemic which has claimed over 30,000 lives globally.
BCCI is yet to make any official announcement about the 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) and also about the international tours of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Asia Cup (T20) and home white-ball series against England.
As the concerns are being raised over Australia’s 6-month travel ban, reportedly a BCCI official has said that it is too early to say anything, the six-month travel ban can also get lifted if the situation gets under control.
If the T20 World Cup gets pushed back, then the four-Test series between India and Australia which is the part of the World Test Championship could also be adversely affected.