Canberra has emerged as a shock contender to host international cricket blockbusters between Australia and India as officials look for ways to save the tour.
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Manuka Oval is in line to potentially host a number of matches with Virat Kohli's Indian outfit opening their tour with three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals.
Cricket chiefs are in discussions with the ACT government about hosting matches with officials desperately trying to shore up its biosecurity measures.
South-east Queensland was slated to host all six games, but the Palaszczuk state government has been hesitant to welcome a touring party of about 60 from overseas as authorities prepare for a state election on Saturday week.
Manuka Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground have been presented as alternatives to save the tour, however discussions between Cricket Australia and Queensland authorities are ongoing.
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It is understood broadcast partners look favourably upon matches in Sydney and Canberra, which would reduce costs for production and eliminate the need for staff and commentators to quarantine in Queensland.
The SCG would likely host the bulk of the matches. Officials are prepared for an evolving schedule, but as it stands the one-day games will be played on on November 27 and 29 and December 1. Twenty20 games would follow on December 4, 6 and 8.
"India's upcoming tour of Australia is the centrepiece of the 2020 summer of cricket. Cricket ACT, like all states and territory associations, are committed to ensuring the full India men's schedule is delivered despite the difficult circumstances," a Cricket ACT statement said.
"We are in discussions with the ACT government and Cricket Australia about the possibility and logistics of hosting international matches in Canberra.
"We are unable to confirm any further details at this time, however given the short timeframes proposed until the tour is scheduled to begin, we will be making further comment as soon as possible."
The chance to host Australia and India would be a major boost for Canberra after the capital fell off the international men's schedule.
Manuka Oval was slated to host a 50-over clash between Australia and New Zealand on January 29 before that three-match series was scrapped due to coronavirus complications, with two weeks of quarantine either side of the series deemed too long for three games.
The capital had already lost its marquee event for the summer - a Twenty20 World Cup warm-up match between powerhouses Australia and India - when the short format's showpiece event was postponed.
The Australian women's team is slated to meet New Zealand in a one-day game at Manuka Oval on January 22.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
