New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is reportedly expected to 'cash in' despite India shortening their playing tour to the country from 21 playing days to 15 as it has suffered no adverse financial affects.
The Future Tours Programme, which all countries had agreed on, had India playing three Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 international, but the tourists will now play just two Tests and five ODIs after a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) so that India could play in February's Asia Cup.
According to Stuff.co.nz, NZC chief executive David White said that there would 'absolutely not' be a financial impact from India shortening their tour, with the report saying that the board is expected to help boost its coffers mainly from television rights, and apparel, around ground and on-pitch signage deals.
NZC had announced a sponsorship agreement with health insurance company nib for the West Indies leg of the home summer and has another one, expected to be lucrative, for the Indian tour.
Stating that India offers a 'massive drawcard', White also said that for local and international sponsors, India is seen as a big opportunity in the future as it is a big broadcast market, adding that he also expected the gate takings from the Indian tour to be strong.
Crowds for Indian games in New Zealand were second in popularity only to England as there is a large expatriate Indian community, especially in the North Island where all of India's matches are being played, the report added.
