In the latest development, the uncertainty has prolonged whether India would participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the much-awaited 15-member squad for the mega event in England which will start from June 1.
“A number of Indian cricketers are ringing us up to ask, ‘Are we going or not?’ Why do we need to put them in such a situation,” a COA member was quoted as saying by India Today.
According to the India Today report, the cricketers have asked Committee of Administrators whether they’re visiting England this summer – to defend their title which they won against hosts in 2013, under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Earlier, BCCI has missed the squad submission deadline which had been set as April 25, by the world cricket governing body ICC.
However, the participating nations can announce their squad under the rules and regulations of ICC which further takes about different circumstances prevailing would allow countries to name their squads later on.
“Indian cricket is doing very well on the field. We need to showcase them not (boycott). If we don’t go what will the players do in June? Let’s not get them demoralized,” the official added.
Moreover, BCCI which was outvoted for the revenue model is bound to get half of the amount which they used to get in the recent past, following the inclusion of ‘Big Three’ model in 2014.
The reports suggested the BCCI body is meeting to take the decision in next week regarding the Champions Trophy as they are looking forward to coming up with the way out after losing Lion’s share (revenue) from ICC.
It has been made clear the cricket board won’t take any extreme step. The COA member further revealed that the committee has thrown full support for the members, who have been elected.
“We don’t want to take a hypothetical view. We are not against elected members. We will go that way only if they follow the negative route,” the member concluded.
It becomes pertinent that the process of BCCI is being supervised by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators which is further headed by Vindo Rai.
“The consequences of such a move will be legal. We may have to cough up a heavy figure. Besides it will give Indian cricket a bad name,” the COA source in BCCI added.
Earlier, the advice from COA member was followed by BCCI representatives at the ICC’s crucial meet in order to stick to their demand for the original revenue of USD 570 million.