May 11, 2007	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1428

LONDON, May 10: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have objected to Ireland holding the India-South Africa series on the dates clashing with England's matches against the touring West Indies on two occasions.

But Ireland Cricket Union is determined to go ahead with India's scheduled series in June, saying the series was significant to cash on their unexpected successful campaign in World Cup.

"They don't want us to host these matches and they have asked us not to, but we have taken the decision that these matches are too important to us in capitalising on the enormous success of the World Cup and from a playing perspective," ICU Chief Executive Warren Deutrom was quoted as saying in the British media.

England play West Indies in a Twenty20 match on June 29 and One-Day International on July 1, dates when South Africa and India are scheduled to play their second and third ODIs.

"The ECB fears that the India-based telecast rights holder Zee TV could sell the pictures for broadcast in the UK, a step that is potent enough to dilute the TV audience," the report said.

An ECB spokesman said the clash serve no purpose.

"We have got a fantastic working relationship with the ICU and the European Cricket Board. It is in no-one's interest there is a clash of televised fixtures.

"We have tried to ensure there is a structure going forward and the ECB has offered the ICU a substantial package of matches - One-Day Internationals and domestic fixtures - and the European Cricket Board will also receive a substantial contribution as well."—Agencies