India's County Ground fixture scheduled for July is cancelled

The tourist match between India and India A that was scheduled to be played in Northampton in July has been cancelled.
Virat Kohli's India team will now not be playing a warm-up match in Northampton this summerVirat Kohli's India team will now not be playing a warm-up match in Northampton this summer
Virat Kohli's India team will now not be playing a warm-up match in Northampton this summer

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday that have agreed to postpone this summer’s men’s India A tour until later in the year.

That means India A's match against the senior side that was due to be played at the County Ground from July 21-24 will no longer take place.

Virat Kolhli's India senior team will instead tour with a larger squad to prepare for, and use during, the five-match LV= Insurance Test Series against England, which begins in August.

India’s warm-up schedule will now comprise of two intra-squad four-day matches, which will replace the two previously planned four-day fixtures between India Men and India A in July.

The venues for the intra-squad matches are to be confirmed.

The ECB say the decision will help them focus on delivering the safest possible environment for all international cricket matches scheduled to take place over the summer.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “We are looking forward to staging a memorable summer of men’s and women’s international cricket when fans are set to return to venues.

“Ensuring the safest possible environment for international cricket is our first priority and we are appreciative for the understanding of our fellow boards.

“We look forward to welcoming a men’s India A tour at a later date after this summer.

"It will provide a valuable opportunity for players from both countries to experience high-quality cricket and to showcase the talent within our England Lions team and first-class counties.”

The news comes on the same day that is was confirmed that England Women will play a T20 international against India at Wantage Road on Friday, July 9.

Northants are also due to entertain Pakistan in a 50-over warm-up match at the County Ground on July 2.