The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : BCCI to discuss conduct of Champions Trophy

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Tuesday, May 31, 2005

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BCCI to discuss conduct of Champions Trophy

Special Correspondent

The Board is also of the opinion that the ICC should allow any bowler, who has not been found prima facie guilty of throwing, with a free mind

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The two-day meeting of the BCCI's working committee to be held here on June 2 and 3 will discuss a host of issues including the conduct of the next year's ICC Champions Trophy and a detailed outline on the need for a long-term plan in awarding Television rights.

Giving details at a press conference here on Monday, the BCCI secretary, S.K. Nair, said the Board was thankful to the Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for the tax exemption given to the BCCI for the conduct of the ICC Champions Trophy before the May 31 deadline set by the International Cricket Council for settling the issue with the Union Government.

"Now that the issue has been solved, the meeting will hold a preliminary discussion on conduct of the prestigious event."

TV rights issue

The meeting, he said, would also discuss the TV rights issue as the court has upheld the Board's authority in taking a final decision on the matter.

"We would be looking to prepare a detail long-term plan in awarding the TV rights mainly with the aim of protecting the interests of the game in the country."

Mr. Nair said the meeting would also take up for ratification the appointment of Greg Chappell as the coach of the Indian team, made earlier this month by a high power committee constituted by the Board itself.

WCAI merger

Besides, these crucial issues, the committee would also discuss the possible merger of the Women's Cricket Association of India with the BCCI. "We have a request from the WCAI in this regard. Already, the International women's body has merged with the ICC and the world body has made it be known that it is keen that such a merger should take place in all Test playing nations. The merger would, however, be subject to a mutual understanding between the Board and the WCAI on several administrative factors."

Triangular tournament

The two-day conclave would also discuss India's participation in the triangular tournament being hosted by Sri Lanka in July-August, the Indian tour to Zimbabwe for a two-Test series with the host country and a triangular tournament in August-September, the November-December tour of Sri Lanka to India (for a three-Test series and five ODIs) as also the proposal of South Africa to play five ODIs in India in December and the proposed Indian tour to Pakistan for a three-Test series and five ODIs in January-February next year.

BCCI happy

The BCCI secretary said the Board was happy on the `cricket friendly' decision taken by the ICC in clearing Harbhajan Singh's bowling action. "The Board is also of the opinion that the ICC should allow any bowler, who has not been found prima facie guilty of throwing, with a free mind."

Replying questions, Mr. Nair said the Board was yet to discuss the need of a separate bowling coach for the Indian team. "However, if there is such a demand from the team coach, we shall be taking up the issue for discussions immediately."

Mr. Nair also said the Board was in regular touch with the Indian team physio, John Gloster, on the recovery being made by the batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar from a recent elbow operation. "According to reports reaching here, Tendulkar is recovering well from the operation. However, he will be out of action through the next 15-16 weeks."

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