In letter to ICC, Board rejects revenue model

The BCCI on Sunday sent an 11-page letter to ICC chief executive Dave Richardson, categorically rejecting the proposed revenue model and constitutional reforms.

The BCCI has reminded the world body that they have the option of exercising the rights mentioned under the Members’ Participation Agreement (MPA).

While BCCI’s stand was always known, COA member Vikram Limaye is his letter has pointed out that ICC should respect the MPA signed on October 12, 2014.

It has been learnt that BCCI can take legal recourse if ICC violates MPA, which assures certain benefits to member nations who compete in the ICC tournaments from 2015-2023.

According to the letter accessed by PTI, Limaye has reminded Richardson of the MPA entered between BCCI and ICC Business Corporation (IBC) relating to global events between 2015 and 2023.

The letter states:” The proposed new ICC Constitution and financial model will, if adopted, entitle us to exercise certain rights under the MPA and also to avail remedies under applicable law. We trust the ICC will reconsider the proposed new ICC constitution and financial models in light of provisions of the MPA so that we do not have to consider exercising our rights and remedies in relation to the MPA, which are expressly reserved. Please communicate our stand to ICC for information and necessary action.”

It is learnt that COA has already in its meeting decided that India’s interest as the financial powerhouse is non-negotiable. In fact Limaye, after his first Board meeting in Dubai in February, had said that ICC could not give any cogent reason as to what economic model has been used for equitable distribution of revenue which seemed to be based more on “good faith and equity”.

LIMAYE REMINDED RICHARDSON OF THE MPA ENTERED BETWEEN BCCI AND ICC BUSINESS CORPORATION (IBC) RELATING TO GLOBAL EVENTS BETWEEN 2015 AND 2023.