BCB Confident about India tri-series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is optimistic about holding the triangular series involving India in this year.

There was uncertainty over the series in May this year as per the Future Tour Programme (FTP) of the ICC due to a clash with the IPL but Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, chairman of the BCB's cricket operations committee, expressed his optimism yesterday.

"Hopefully we will get positive news regarding India's tour to Bangladesh within a short time. What I can say is that there is a good chance to hold the series before the next Asia Cup," said Lipu.

The issue has taken a positive turn after Lipu's meeting with BCCI officials during the ICC meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The tour is very important for Bangladesh in terms of financial aspects as BCB's TV rights deal with Nimbus is made fully based on it.

Former national skipper Lipu also informed that his Cricket Australia counterparts agreed to hold this year's postponed two-Test series in July-August 2010 in northern Australia.

The series was originally scheduled to be played in August this year but was postponed due a clash with the Beijing Olympic Games. Cricket Australia has only agreed to host the Tigers for three one-dayers this year.