In move that virtually sets the stage for a high-profile clash between the game’s fiercest rivals India and Pakistan, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators has asked the BCCI to select the Indian cricket squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to start on June 1.
The ICC had set April 25 as deadline for the team selection but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not abide by it as it is involved in a row over the revenue sharing model under which India would lose nearly half of its income.
COA, headed by former CAG Vinod Rai, has told the BCCI that "it would be appropriate to make all necessary preparations for ensuring that Team India can successfully defend its title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 which commences on 1st June 2017."
“You are aware that the squad representing India at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 was to be submitted by 25th April 2017 but the squad has not even been selected as yet. Please convene a meeting of the selection committee for selecting the squad immediately. The squad can then be submitted to the ICC without prejudice to BCCI’s legal rights,” it told the BCCI.
Outvoted in crucial ICC meet, BCCI may pull out of Champions Trophy
The instruction comes amid speculation that the BCCI is seriously mulling a pullout from the Champions Trophy in England next month despite COA making it clear that such a decision could not be taken without its consent.
Earlier, the COA had warned that it would move the Supreme Court if the BCCI general body takes any decision which is "against the interest of Indian cricket" at its SGM on May 7.
In a letter to the state units, the COA also intimated members that ICC may be ready to renegotiate but the Indian board's demand for USD 570 million -- stated as per 2014 revenue model -- "will not be accepted" by the global body.
"It is not in the interest of Indian cricket for BCCI to take any drastic step/measure which may result in breakdown of negotiations between BCCI, ICC and other cricket boards, especially since there is sufficient time between now and ICC conference to be held in June, 2017, for a negotiated outcome to be arrived at," the COA said.
