Kolkata: Eden Gardens will now host the first match of the T20 International series against England on Jan 22, as per the revised schedule released by the BCCI on Tuesday. As per the earlier schedule, Kolkata would have played host to England on Jan 25, the second match of the series. In a swap, Chennai will now host the second T20I on the same day.
“The venue change was necessitated following a request from Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal regarding their prior Republic Day commitments and obligations,” the BCCI said in its release.
England are scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs during their next year’s tour.
In another change, Gwalior will host the opening T20I against Bangladesh on Oct 6, instead of Dharamshala. Renovation work by Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association at the Dharamshala stadium forced this change.
This will be the inaugural international fixture at Gwalior’s new stadium, Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium. It will also be the first match in Gwalior since Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score an ODI double century during the India-South Africa series in 2010.
Bangladesh will play two Tests and three T20Is in September-October.