By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 2 - Commonwealth Games officials in New Delhi are trying to get the Indian Government to put pressure on the cricket authorities to change the dates of their Test series against Australia later this year to avoid a clash they fear will overshadow their event.


Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the Delhi 2010 Organising Committee and President of the Indian Olympic Association, has written to the country's Sports Minister M.S Gill to try to help him persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reschedule the two Test matches.

The first Test is due to begin on October 2 in Mohali - the day before the Opening Ceremony in Delhi - and the second on October 10 in Bangalore, which would be due to finish the day after the Closing Ceremony.

Kalmadi wrote: "You will be aware that the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is drawing closer and we have 94 days to go for its start.

"Our preparations to ensure that we host a successful Games are on home stretch and we are confident of delivering the best Games ever.

"I write to seek your good offices to try and convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India to reschedule the two Test matches between India and Australia."

Kalmadi's fear is that millions of Indian television viewers are likely to choose cricket over the Commonwealth Games, especially following the confirmation earlier this week that triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt, the world record holder for 100 and 200 metres, will definitely miss Delhi.

Cricket attracts a passionate following in India and organisers of the hockey World Cup in New Delhi in March brought forward the tournament by a week so that it would not clash with the Indian Premier League tournament.

Kalmadi wrote to Gill: "I need not stress the importance of not having any international cricket in India during the Commonwealth Games.

"I had written to Mr. Sharad Pawar as early as on July 1, 2009, seeking due consideration by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to ensure that it does not schedule any major cricket matches during the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi."

Pawar, the former chairman of the BCCI, was yesterday elected as the new President of the International Cricket Council.

Kalmadi's plea seems set to fall on deaf ears.

A spokesman for the BCCI said: "The season is packed and there are very few windows in which series can be planned.

"Rescheduling is not a simple matter as Australia also have other engagements at later times."

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