Threat rumours regarding Chennai Test baseless: Ajay Shirke

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has assured that there is no potential threat to the fifth and final Test between India and England in Chennai and they haven't decided yet whether to move it from the existing venue following the death of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

The secretary, Ajay Shirke, said that the board was in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and everything is being monitored.

No deadline has been set for naming an alternate venue and no decision has been taken yet regarding the change of the venue.

"We haven't taken any decision with regard to the Chennai Test match," Shirke told reporters after the meeting of the senior tournament committee in Mumbai. "It's a very sensitive decision. We are keeping a close watch on the situation and we are taking the inputs from the local host association as to what is the mood and the sentiment of the people, and based on what evolves, the final decision for the match will be taken."

In case the need arises, there is enough back-up and no shortage of alternate venues, said Shirke.

The Chennai stadium last hosted a Test match three years ago.