BCCI demands release of withheld World Cup payment

Chennai - The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today demanded from the IDDI, the commercial arm of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the release of its withheld share of US$6.5 million for its participation in the 2003 World Cup.

The Working Committee that met here for the first of its two-day conclave deliberated on the nature and the veracity of the claims raised by World Sport Nimbus (WSN), the marketing agent of IDI Events. The Working Committee came to the conclusion that most of its claims of WSN were baseless, exaggerated and not properly dealt with. It was of the view that so far, the marketing efforts of WSN had been inadequate and incompetent.

The BCCI understands that the IDI today released a media statement that vindicates the BCCI's position about the baselessness (sic) of the claims. In fact, the IDI had also thanked the BCCI for the information it had provided so far and had assured that the claims would be thoroughly investigated.

TVS Motors would be the new sponsor of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy and the ZR Irani Trophy for the 2003-04 cricket season. The tournaments would be designated the TVS Salve Challenger (to be played in Bangalore from September 10-14) and TVS Irani Trophy (to be played from September 22-18 in Chennai).

The Working Committee today took a final decision that that the new format of the Ranji Elite and Plate last year would be continued this year as well.

It was also decided to revert to the traditional zonal format of the Duleep Trophy, however with the addition of a foreign team. The BCCI would explore the possibilities of inviting Bangladesh or Kenya for the Duleep Trophy 2003-04.

The Working Committee further decided that the A team tournament that was (scheduled) for Under-25 cricketers would be converted to an Under-22 tournament.

The Working Committee noted with satisfaction the full-fledged preparation scheme taken up by the Board not only for the international cricketers, but also for first-class and junior cricketers. It may be recalled that courses were conducted at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore for coaches and fitness trainers of all affiliated units recently. Camps were also held for Under-15 cricketers, and a camp is currently in progress for Under-17 cricketers.

A seminar for the curators of all affiliated units along with the members of the Grounds and Wickets Committee of the Board would be held on August 23-24 in Kolkata, while the umpires' seminar would be held in Mumbai on September 6-7.

In view of Kanpur's inability to host a Test match in the ensuing series against New Zealand, the Working Committee today decided to give six months' time to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to take full control of the Green Park ground, failing which the allotment of international matches would be reconsidered.