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Subash Chandra says the idea behind ICL is to take the game beyond a limited group
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BIG BOSS Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Entertainment Enterprises
There is a striking similarity between Kerry Packer and Subhash Chandra. Packer owned the Australian Channel 9 network while Subhash Chandra owns Zee TV. And, both staked a claim in the world of cricket by taking on the establishment: the former star
ting Packer World Series in 1978 and Subhash Chandra, the Indian Cricket League.
How does Subhash Chandra feel about running ICL. “We never thought ICL would be in direct conflict with the BCCI. I don’t understand why the BCCI is reacting in such a manner,” says 57-year-old Chandra.
“The BCCI caters to about 37 per cent of the population. We thought let us take cricket to unexplored areas ensuring a competitive environment,” explains Chandra. “We also have plans to run age-specific leagues to give them the right kind of exposure. We don’t stop any ICL player leaving and playing in the IPL. Our primary concern is the players’ interests.” Chandra says he “takes pride in the fact that ICL made the BCCI pay hefty match fees to the national cricketers. And even the concept of IPL is a copy of what we are doing.”
“Cricket is not the only sport we are looking at. We already have a 10-year contract with the All India Football Federation.”
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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