New Delhi, Feb 7: Sahara Group's chief Subroto Roy today said that he is open to negotiations with the BCCI as far as his IPL team Pune Warriors is concerned but made it clear that the group is no longer keen in sponsoring the Indian cricket team.
Sahara India ended its 11-year-old financial ties with the BCCI and also pulled out of the IPL auction last weekend after it accused the Cricket Board of not giving due consideration to its genuine grievances.
“If really needed I will not give a second thought,” Roy said when asked if he would like to continue with Pune Warriors this IPL season.
“That's the highest priority in my mind. I don't know what will happen in future years also...anything can happen. But this is certain that players should play, secondly Pune people are so excited for the 1st tournament there...it should have been there...it will happen.
“We have to come out with some way or the other...we are very flexible about it and I am sure that when we will sit we will amicably come out with very good solutions that these things should not happen. Right from the beginning I have said my first concern I my team and they have to play this tournament,” Roy told a TV news channel.
Roy's statement comes a day after BCCI president N Srinivasan said that the board is open to dialogue with Sahara and is willing to resolve the contentious issues.
“(My) first concern is that our players this year should not be deprived of playing IPL. I have already requested BCCI to get them in any organisation fast so that they can play in this IPL. I don't want that BCCI and our team should be in problem in any manner. I am sure when we will sit we will come out with good solutions,” Roy reiterated.
Asked about a reconciliation with the BCCI, Roy said, “I can't say at this stage. We have to appreciate one thing; we have already announced a huge plan for social work including development of sports which will involve thousand crores of rupees.”
