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Delhi 2010 chairman Suresh Kalmadi has written to Indian sports minister MS Gill amid concerns that the scheduling of Australia’s cricket tour to India will take some of the focus off the Commonwealth Games.

The current schedule of the tour means that two Test matches – starting on October 2 in Mohali and then October 10 in Bangalore – clash with the Games, which begin on October 3.

Kalmadi wrote to newly appointed International Cricket Council (ICC) president and former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman Sharad Pawar as early as July 2009 to avoid such a clash. However, the Delhi 2010 chief is now seeking Gill’s intervention.

Kalmadi’s letter states: “You will be well aware that the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is drawing closer and we have 94 days to go for its start. Our preparations to ensure that we host a successful Games are on the home stretch and we are confident of delivering the best Games ever. I write to seek your good offices to try and convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India to reschedule the two Test matches between India and Australia, now slated to start on October 2 in Mohali and October 10 in Bangalore so that they do not clash with the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

“I need not stress the importance of not having any international cricket in India during the Commonwealth Games. I wrote to Mr Sharad Pawar as early as July 1, 2009, seeking due consideration by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to ensure that it does not schedule any major cricket matches during the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. I am sure you will use your good offices to convince BCCI to reschedule the cricket series.”