No BCCI backing for exhibition matches

While the prospect of an Indo-Pak XI taking on a Rest of the World XI might be a mouthwatering prospect for cricket fans and corporates, it may never take off. It certainly does not have the approval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Wisden Cricinfo has learned that the BCCI has taken a firm stance against private parties organising international matches, and is set to convey the same message to the organisers of this proposed series.

The Citizens Council for a Better Tomorrow and 9 Yards Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of cricketnext.com, have proposed a four-match series. It was proposed that the teams play four one-dayers in Manchester, Mumbai, Kolkata and Lahore, called the Sadbhavna [Goodwill] Series. The Indian Express newspaper quotes Sanjay Jha of cricketnext.com as saying, "We are confident that the respective boards will give the green signal as we want to have the matches either in September this year, after the Champions Trophy, or January, when the players will be free from their commitments to their respective countries."

However, the matter has already been discussed by the BCCI in its working committee meeting in mid-July. SK Nair, the secretary of the board, brought up the matter for discussion and, according to the minutes of that meeting, "The members were categorical that the business of organising international matches was the prerogative of the cricket boards, and private organisations should not be encouraged to organise matches featuring international cricketers from different countries. It was decided that the stand of the board be communicated to cricketnext.com."

Another event planned along similar lines was scrapped recently when the Abu Dhabi Cricket Control Board approached several Indian and Pakistani players individually to take part in a match to mark the opening of the Zayed Stadium. The Indian players then told the organisers that they should speak directly to the BCCI, which the Abu Dhabi Board did.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of the BCCI, raised this matter in the working committee meeting. "The BCCI rejected the proposal outright not only because the Aby Dhabi Board did not bother to approach BCCI first, but also because it felt that the importance of resumption of the bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan would be diluted if the two teams were made to play exhibition matches - and that, too, in other countries. The ADCCB formally apologised to the BCCI for the fiasco."

From all reports, it's clear that the BCCI has no inclination to play matches, or allow its players to take part in matches, that are not sanctioned by the ICC.