ECB writes to ICC on outcome of cancelled Manchester Test against India

England Cricket Board (ECB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to decide the outcome of the cancelled Manchester Test. The fifth Test between England and India was called off due to fears of COVID-19 in the Indian camp. India’s assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive for COVID-19 on eve of the match and even though the players tested negative, the match was cancelled as few India players expressed their concerns about going ahead with the match.

Earlier, England Cricket Board in their statement had stated that India forfeited the match but took a U-turn later after BCCI’s disagreement. Now with both boards failing to reach a mutual agreement, ECB has written to the ICC to take up the matter in their own hands.

“Yes we have written to the ICC,” an ECB spokesperson told PTI when asked if they want the global body to decide on the fifth Test.

The ECB will lose 40 million pounds if the match stands abandoned thus they want ICC to result the match as forfeited, which will allow them to claim the insurance. As per ECB, India pulled out of the match despite their players testing negative thus ICC should give the verdict in their favour.

If the ICC rules the match as forfeited, the series will be considered tied at 2-2. If the match stands abandoned due to COVID-19, India will be declared winners by 2-1.

Both boards are trying to find a window to play a standalone Test to compensate for the loss. However, that match won’t be part of the recent series.