DD wants its pound of flesh from BCCI

The BCCI is toying with the idea of inviting Sri Lanka to tour India early next year, in order to meet its contractual obligations to Doordarshan, the national broadcaster.

According to a report on rediff.com, the BCCI's agreement with Doordarshan stipulates at least 27 days of international cricket on home soil in a season. India's engagements for 2003-04 allow for only 20 days, inclusive of two Tests against New Zealand, and a triangular series also involving Australia. Unless the BCCI can find seven days from somewhere, they stand to lose about Rs 460 million - the last installment of their deal with Doordarshan, which expires in April 2004.

Doordarshan clinched the contract, beating off competition from the likes of Sony Entertainment Television, in 1999, anticipating more matches between India and Pakistan in the wake of Pakistan's tour of India earlier that year. The Kargil conflict put paid to those hopes.

According to KS Sarma, CEO of Prasar Bharti, "BCCI this year hasn't been able to fulfill its quota of 27 days of international cricket because the scheduled trip of Pakistan to India didn't materialize."

Discussions are on to facilitate a tour of Pakistan early next year, but the BCCI's contractual bind means that they might well sacrifice that in order to accomodate a touring side.

India return from their tour of Australia only in February 2004, when Sri Lanka are scheduled to host the Aussies. With the international calendar so tightly packed, it's difficult to see where a tour could fit in. That said, unless Sri Lanka or Bangladesh - very much the last resort - oblige, the BCCI could be kissing a lot of money goodbye.