The prospects of India facing England in the UAE are all but over after it was confirmed the series will go ahead on home soil. The Emirates had been mooted as a potential host for the bilateral series, given the successful staging of the IPL here. The Board of Control for Cricket in India opted to relocate that competition to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah instead, due to the effects of Covid in India. During the course of the IPL, the BCCI and the Emirates Cricket Board penned a hosting agreement, raising the prospect of India staging more series in the UAE in the future. However, the series of four Tests, five T20Is, and three one-day internationals between India and England will take place in India, starting in February. Chennai will host the first two Tests, with the third and fourth set to take place at the newly-constructed, 110,000 capacity Sardar Patel Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Tests will be followed by a five-match T20I series, also in Ahmedabad. That will be followed by three ODIs in Pune. “The BCCI prioritises health and safety of both teams and will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols agreed by the BCCI and [England and Wales Cricket Board] medical teams,” Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, said. “Both boards have worked closely to put together an exciting series that promises to provide high octane action between two powerhouses of world cricket. “This will be India's first bilateral series at home since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and the home season will bring back joy to cricket fans.” Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said they were satisfied by the precautionary measures being put in place for the series. “We have been delighted with the planning that has been undertaken by the BCCI to ensure the three venues in Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune will be ready to host international cricket in a bio-secure environment,” Harrison said. “[We] look forward to working closely with them over the coming weeks to finalise those plans. "The prospect of becoming the first international side to play at the magnificent Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad adds an extra dimension to the tour and I know will be something that is a highlight for both the players and management.”
