England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tim Lamb believes India are "committed" to playing four Tests in England next summer, and that the matter is not negotiable.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has threatened to boycott one Test match because England refused to play at least one further one-day international when they return to the sub-continent after Christmas.

The BCCI have said they will now only play three Tests and five one-day internationals in England next summer.

Lamb said: "As far as we're concerned there will be four Tests - and I have a letter on file from India which confirms their agreement to the programme as proposed.

"We have correspondence dating back to 1998 saying there would be more than three Tests.

"The first time we heard of any issue was last month when the new Indian Board president (Jagmohan Dalmiya) and secretary (Niranjan Shah) raised the matter with us.

"They are committed to four Tests as far as we're concerned, and the matter is not negotiable. I hope we can resolves this amicably. I'm going out to India to watch the first Test and I'm looking to have further discussions on the matter.

"But I would hope that if you agree to do something then people would abide by those commitments."

As to the prospect of losing a Test from next summer's, Lamb continued: "The commercial and financial ramifications would be unthinkable."

"Something between 80 and 85% of revenue generated by English cricket is on the back of Tests. We've already sold broadcasting and sponsorship rights and we've even started selling tickets."

© CricInfo Ltd.