Amidst changes to the existing revenue sharing model, the relationship between ICC and BCCI is threatening to take a nosedive. BCCI President Anurag Thakur has slammed his predecessor who is now Chairman of the apex body for ‘arm-twisting’ the board.
Speaking to reporters inside Greater Noida Stadium where the Duleep Trophy final is taking place, the 41-year old accused Shashank Manohar of acting against his former organization by utilizing Lodha Committee's recommendations.
Thakur asserted, “Plenty of members felt that Manohar left the board just when he was needed in the board. When BCCI wanted to seek his help, he wasn't ready to come forward. What he is today because of BCCI and right now, he is working against the interest of Indian cricket. I have to convey feeling of the members today. When the board needed him, Shashank left the sinking ship. BCCI being the global leader, we look after global issues as well and we want to look through comparison as well.”
He added, “I think these (Lodha) recommendations and the change in ICC are arm-twisting BCCI both at home and at the ICC which is not good for Indian cricket. The situation of BCCI – a global leader till the recommendation of the Lodha committee, now with the new ICC regime they are trying to sideline the BCCI (who are) one of the most important stakeholders in global cricket today. Just (because of) one recommendation, we are not taken seriously.”
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The bone of contention has been ICC’s budgetary allocation to the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. Claiming that it was almost three times of the budget allotted for the 2016 World T20 in India, BCCI even threatened to pull out their national team from the tournament.
Secretary Ajay Shirke had alluded to being 'humiliated' after the highly influential board was not invited for ICC's financial committee meeting in Dubai. With BCCI also playing a major role in stalling the two-tier Test system, Manohar was firm in his response.
However, Thakur argued, “If the ICC is spending more money on a tournament which is played over 20 days in three venues, BCCI has the right to know the financial implication of spinning extra money on issues which are of lesser importance.”
“ICC constitution was changed and as president of board, Shashank should have kept BCCI in confidence which he did not. Because Shashank was looking for a position, that is why Shirke has raised certain issues.”
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