BCCI plans corporate tournaments

The BCCI plans an annual inter-corporate tournament, covering both 50- and 20-over formats, with the winners getting Rs 1 crore (approx US$200,000). This proposal, by the board's working committee, will mark a new area of the BCCI's interest.

A statement after a working committee meeting on Saturday said the tournament was aimed at increasing employment opportunities for players. Other prizes include Rs 50 lakh for the runners-ups and Rs 25 lakhs for the losing semi-finalists.

The board also announced an expected decrease in revenues of Rs 120 crore [approximately US$25 million] for the current year in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, with the cancellation of two ODIs against England, and India's tour of Pakistan. The amount includes the loss of revenue arising out of the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2008. "While there will be a decrease in revenue, the BCCI will still have a healthy excess of income over expenditure for the current year," the release clarified.

The committee also finalised specialised coaching centres: for fast bowlers at Punjab Cricket Association's Cricket Academy, for spinners at the Tamil Nadu Cricket association's Cricket Academy and for batsmen at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Cricket Academy.

The BCCI has urged its members to increase the number of grounds available for junior cricket, as well as improve the quality of pitches. Reports from the various sub-committees were also approved at the working committee meet.