BCCI decides against 'extreme' step

Indian Board not to pull out of CT over new revenue model

The BCCI in its Special General Meeting on Tuesday decided against taking an extreme step on the ICC’s proposed reforms on revenue sharing model for now.

The new proposal advocates a more equal distribution of revenue, as opposed to the current model where India, Australia and England get the biggest share of the revenue as they bring more money through media rights and sponsorships. The rest is shared among others.

There were also talks about BCCI mulling on pulling out of the 2017 Champions Trophy. But the BCCI officials appeared to have softened their stand after the two-hour long meeting, which witnessed no representation from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

However, it is believed the Board would try to buy time from the ICC till June, where BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary will represent the Board during the ICC board meeting on April 27-28.

“We will defend India’s interest to the best of our abilities. There were some thoughts communicated to the ICC by CoA (Committee of Administrators).

It was an 11-page letter by Mr Vikram Limaye. It was a good effort by CoA and will work largely on that,” one of the BCCI office bearers said.

“No use taking an extreme position. We have to look at the balance. “
The official also informed that the search for an ombudsman has started.
In the past the relationship between the CoA and BCCI hasn’t been at their best but Choudhary cleared that it was now a thing of past.

“It’s a professional relationship, there may have been difference of opinions in the past, and there have been, sometimes very sharp differences, but it got rectified,” he said. “The general body hadn’t met for eight months, so there was a threadbare discussion on all issues.

“I can confidently tell you all resolutions were passed harmoniously in today’ meeting. We also will be doing everything to facilitate cricket in north east every possible way.”

Increase in bonus

Meanwhile, a resolution was also passed to increase the players’ bonus to one crore each for their performance in the just concluded home series of 13 Tests. Earlier, the CoA had announced Rs 50 lakh for each player.

However, there was no increase in the bonus of the support staff.