April 09, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 2, 1429

NEW DELHI, April 8: India has put off a planned tour of Zimbabwe in May-June because the dates clashed with the multi-million dollar Indian Premier League (IPL), an official said on Tuesday.

The week-long tour of the troubled African nation, comprising three One-day Internationals, was part of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours programme.

But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it had told Zimbabwean authorities that the national team was “very busy” over the period and would be unable to tour.

“We will not be going to Zimbabwe because the team is very busy, but will try and fix the tour after the IPL,” BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said.

The IPL’s inaugural Twenty20 competition will be played across India from April 18 to June 1 between eight city teams.

With India having a packed international schedule until next February, it is unlikely the tour of Zimbabwe will take place this year.

India are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a tri-series also involving Pakistan from June 8-15.

The Indians will then proceed to Pakistan for the Asia Cup from June 24 to July 6, followed by a tour of Sri Lanka from July 18 to Aug 29 for three Test matches and five One-day Internationals.

The ICC Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan from Sept 11 to 28, after which India host Australia and England for Test series until the end of the year. India are also scheduled to tour Pakistan in January and February next year.—AFP