The India-Pakistan-Bangladesh tri-series named the “Neighbour’s Series” scheduled to take place in London next month has been cancelled.
The Indian national team was supposed to take on South Asian rivals Bangladesh (June 1) and Pakistan (June 4) at the Craven Cottage, the home of EPL outfit Fulham FC. Pakistan and Bangladesh were scheduled play the third match of the tri-series at the same venue on June 8.
But the “Neighbour’s Series” had to be called-off “due to lack of sponsorship” according to the Kolkata-based agency which tried to organise the matches in London. Fulham FC had already announced the tri-series on their club website and they even started ticket sales for the three matches at their home ground.
The seriousness of the proposed tri-series was always under doubts with all three involved federations denying any official confirmation although Fulham FC made the official announcement on their website. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the Bangladesh Football Federation (PFF) later confirmed their participation, while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) never signed a contract to seal Team India’s participation in the tri-series.
The AIFF asked for certain assurances from the organisers to ensure Wim Koevermans’ team the best possible conditions during their tour to England. But none of the assurances were granted to the AIFF. The organisers told the AIFF that the tri-series would be called-off due to the lack of sponsorship, when the AIFF was ready to confirm Team India’s participation in the “Neighbour’s Series”.