West Indies has pulled out of the ongoing India tour and the fourth ODI played on Friday was the last of the series. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it had taken a decision to cancel the rest of the series because of its dispute with its players and that their players are returning home immediately.

Following this, BCCI said it has started discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket for an ODI series in India in November. In a statement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said it was “extremely shocked and extremely disappointed” at this decision taken by WICB. “The WICB’s inability to resolve internal issues with its players and allowing the same to affect an ongoing bilateral series does not reflect well on any of those involved. The withdrawal gives little thought to the future of the game, the players and the long standing relations between the BCCI and the WICB,” BCCI said in a statement.

Level playing

It also said that it will pursue all options available to protect its rights and will also seek appropriate action from the ICC to, “ensure that its interests and those of the game at large will not suffer any damage due to such acts of indiscretion.”

Meanwhile, Nitin Kukreja President, Star Sports told BusinessLine , “Advertisers look to associate themselves with impact properties (that attract high viewership) during the festive season of Diwali and cricket is a key impact property and this comes us dampener for us.” BCCI also said that SLB has accepted its invitation for an ODI series in India in November. “Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed a five-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, to be played from 1 November 2014. The series promises to be an exciting one, with Sri Lanka placed 4th in the world rankings in ODIs. India is ranked 3rd, with only 2 points separating the teams,” it said in a statement.

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