BCCI to decide on Champions pullout today

BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS OUTCOME OF RECENT ICC MEET

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) special general meeting (SGM) will be held today to discuss the outcome of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Board meeting held in Dubai last week whereby India’s share of revenue was heavily reduced.

The outcome of the SGM, which is being held in New Delhi, will lead to a final decision on whether India would participate in the Champions Trophy or not.

According to information, a large number of BCCI members have expressed disappointment over the cut in revenue from the ICC and want the world body to experience the impact of Team India’s pullout from a tournament.

Star Sports, the broadcasters of world cricket have already expressed concern over Team India’s likely pullout as it can badly affect their revenue. Most advertisers are reluctant to come on board if India is not participating in the Champions Trophy.

TV rights

Star had bought the ICC television rights for eight years at a value of $1.9 billion (Dh5.88 billion) and hopes to reap profit from the Indian market.

The BCCI members, by pulling out of the Champions Trophy wants all nations that voted against India to realise that they deserved the $570 million as per earlier revenue model. India wants to show that if they do not participate, the value of the Champions Trophy will take a huge hit. BCCI members are not willing to accept the $293 million that it will receive across the eight year cycle. The offered amount is a $280 million cut from what India has been receiving.

Missing deadline

Though BCCI took the bold step of missing the ICC’s April 25 deadline for announcing the squad, most Indian cricketers past and present are against a pull out. Some BCCI members also want India to play in the Champions Trophy first and then discuss the matter before the June ICC meeting.

Sensing the mood among the BCCI members, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) have even announced that they will seek intervention by the Indian Supreme Court to ensure India plays in the Champions Trophy. In fact, the CoA members will insist during the meeting that the Team India squad be announced by selectors immediately.