By IANS,
London : India is to play a five-Test series in England in 2011 and 2015 – for the first time in more than 50 years, according to a report here Tuesday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are on the verge of agreeing a deal for a lucrative new contract for Test match and one-day series in England in 2011 and 2015, The Guardian newspaper reported.
The paper said that ECB Chairman Giles Clarke and Chief Executive David Collier arrived in Britain from India Monday and are expected to return for more talks next month on the deal.
The paper said under the terms of the deal India will play four or five Tests and five one-day internationals in England in 2011 and five Tests and five ODIs in 2015.
India have not played a five-Test series in England since 1959, and television revenues from the Tests at Lord’s cricket ground alone are expected to hit 25 million pounds, the paper said.
It also said that although the two ECB officials failed to reach an agreement over releasing England players for the Indian Premier League championship, England stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff are “expected to sign contracts.”