Realising that just two Tests in the next 11 months endanger India's stay at the top of ICC rankings, the BCCI has requested South Africa to play a couple of five-day games when they visit the country early next year.
A top BCCI source informed that instead of the five ODIs that the Proteas were scheduled to play in India in February-March, they now have been requested to play a series featuring three ODIs and two Test matches and Cricket South Africa is doing everything to make it happen.
"We have requested them to drop two ODIs and pencil in a couple of Test matches. India is the number one Test team in the world and naturally we would like to play more Test matches," the source said.
"Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola has promised to do everything he can to make it happen and we are optimistic that everything would fall in place," he added.
Majola was quoted in the media as saying that even though the tour would get prolonged by another week, he was confident of accommodating BCCI's request.
Majola said he would take up the issue with CSA members and the South Africa Cricketers' Association as well before committing anything.
"They (India) have requested we play two Tests and three ODIs and we are still considering it," Majola said.
"We still have to consult with the South African Cricketers' Association, the team management, our playing regulations and fixtures committees, as well as the board. It would extend the tour by another week, but we would like to accommodate them and I don't foresee a problem with it," he added.
India beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home to become the number one Test team in the world but their new-found status is under threat in the current calendar which has them playing just two Tests in the next 11 months.
