Outcomes of ICC Executive Board meeting

The International Cricket Council today agreed to a request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for more time in which to reach an agreement with its players for their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka from 12 September 2002.

All countries, including the BCCI, today provided the Executive Board with an update on the status of their negotiations with their players for this tournament, with 11 of the 12 Boards indicating that an agreement had been reached or was imminent with their players.

BCCI President, Jagmohan Dalmyia, advised the meeting that while discussion were underway with his players it would take more time before a final decision on their participation could be made.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, said that report provided by Mr Dalmyia indicated that the chance to reach an agreement with the Indian players remained and that the ICC wanted to ensure that every opportunity was given for the BCCI to reach this agreement.

"The ICC wants the best players in the world to play in the Champions Trophy and every opportunity needs to be given to the BCCI and its players to reach an agreement," said Mr Gray.

"Following the information provided by the BCCI today, the ICC is willing to allow both the BCCI and the Indian players more time for the current negotiations to reach a conclusion."

The 10 Full Members countries of the ICC today agreed to the consultation process with players or their representatives concerning new ICC events outside the current agreement for ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cups up until 2007 sought by some countries. The agreement clears the way for some Boards including the Australian Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board to complete their agreements with their players.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, said that the agreement was expected.

"This commitment was expected from all Boards and it now clears the way to formalise the agreements that are close to finalised in several countries," said Mr Gray.

The Test playing countries today rejected the current proposal of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the Indian conglomerate Sahara to sponsor the Indian team during the ICC Champions Trophy due to the potential conflict between Sahara division, Air Sahara, and tournament sponsor South African Airways (SAA).

All ICC Full Member (Test playing) countries along with three representatives of the Associate Members countries meeting as the ICC Executive Board in Dubai considered a proposal from the BCCI to approve the proposed sponsorship.

However, after hearing submissions from both the BCCI and from the ICC's commercial partner, Global Cricket Corporation, the Members determined that proposal in its current form would create a direct conflict between Air Sahara and SAA.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, said that it was essential that the ICC's commercial partners were protected.

"South African Airways is an important partner of the ICC and today the ICC Members have reaffirmed their commitment to protect its partners rights.

"However, it is also recognised the Sahara is a large conglomerate with interests in a wide range of businesses. It may be the BCCI and Sahara wish to provide an alternate proposal to the ICC that does not have the same potential for conflict.

"The merits and impact of any such proposal would be considered should it be received."

The decision to reject the proposal follows on from an earlier decision by the ICC to limit its sponsorship with Emirates Airlines to events outside the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 as such an agreement would also be in conflict with SAA rights.