India seek extra Test on New Zealand tour

India are seeking to play an extra Test during the upcoming tour of New Zealand to offset losses after the cancellation of matches against England and Pakistan, a top official said Monday.

"We have requested New Zealand to accommodate an extra Test to the series," said Ratnakar Shetty, chief administrative officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"We are waiting for a response from them."

India are scheduled to play two Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match in New Zealand in March-April.

The BCCI reported Saturday that it lost around 25 million dollars after two one-day internationals against England and this month's tour of Pakistan were cancelled in the wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai in November.

"This includes the loss of revenue arising out of the postponement of the 2008 ICC Champions Trophy," the board said in a statement.

The Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan in September last year, was postponed for security reasons.

The Indian government refused to allow its cricket team to tour Pakistan, blaming Islamic militants based in that country for the Mumbai attacks, which left 172 people dead, including nine attackers.

India were to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match in Pakistan from January 6 to February 19.

Media reports recently said India were also in talks with Sri Lanka to stage a one-day series before touring New Zealand.