Cricket Pulse

Even as the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) gets into fast track mode with its plans of hosting the Champions League, the world governing body - ICC has advised members against participating in the cash-rich Indian league.

The sport’s governing body has created fresh roadblocks for the Indian board and will surely come as a major blow to the BCCI. The International Cricket Council confirmed to Times Now that they have sent a communique to all its member boards objecting to the inter-club tournament’s proximity to the ICC Champions Trophy.

The ICC has communicated its objection to all its members, hours ahead of Wednesday’s (July 30) crucial meeting at Mumbai, between BCCI, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa officials to finalise the details of the Champions League.

The ICC expressed its displeasure over the League starting immediately a day after the Champions Trophy - citing it will be a breach of the terms and conditions agreed to, by all member nations.

ICC rules say that no international cricket event can take place within seven days of any ICC tournament.

ICC’s Media Manager Brian Murgatroyd confirmed ICC’s stern stance on the Champions League and asserted the world governing body’s position regarding the organisation of the tournament. He said, “We have reminded them of the Members of Participation Agreement. No international event can be held in such close proximity to an ICC competition.”

Meanwhile, the BCCI for its part is not willing to bow down without a fight, as they have questioned ICC’s intentions.

BCCI rubbishes ICC’s objection

The Indian board, however, refused to confirm that they have received an ICC communication on the scheduling of the Champions League as yet. But importantly, the BCCI has rubbished the world governing body’s objection.

The BCCI clarified that the proposed Champions League is only an inter-club tournament and cannot be viewed as an international tournament - as is the norm in the all important Member of Participation Agreement (MPA).

“The Champions League is an inter-club event and not an international competition. If India were playing close to Champions Trophy then it would be prudent for some objection,” said Ratnakar Shetty, Chief Administrative Officer, BCCI.