The Hindu : Indian cricketers sign contract with objections

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 11, 2003

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Indian cricketers sign contract with objections

By S. Dinakar

Auckland Jan. 10. The storm could blow over after all, with the 15 members of the Indian team signing the controversial `players terms' contract of the International Cricket Council (ICC), that could clear the way for their participation in the World Cup.

Though they signed the contract here on Friday, the cricketers have objected to certain clauses that may still prove a stumbling block. The fact that the players have set the ball rolling is a positive sign though.

The signed forms have been sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and they will be forwarded to the ICC, well ahead of the last date of January 14.

On their part, it is understood that the cricketers will urge their sponsors to keep away from ambush campaigns during the World Cup. However, the clause dealing with the `image rights', which prevents any rival from advertising for one month before and after the tournament, is understood to be the bone of contention.

The captain, Sourav Ganguly, said the players and the ICC would have to make some adjustments. ``It can never be one-sided.'' He indicated that the cricketers, who were in constant touch with the BCCI, had informed the Board, what their problems were. The BCCI will take up the key issues with the ICC.

Ganguly said the players had done what they could from their side, and it was now the ICC's turn to respond. ``We already have existing contracts and they have to be honoured.''

The controversy over the `player contracts' for the ICC tournaments had erupted in a big manner before the Champions Trophy tournament in Sri Lanka in September last, and it was only a last minute settlement that ensured the participation of India's best side.

Dalmiya reserves comments

PTI reports from Kolkata:

The BCCI president, JagmohanDalmiya, reserved comment saying: ``I will not say anything today. Let me ascertain all the facts first.'' Asked whether the players signed the forms on instruction from the BCCI, he said ``I will answer all your queries tomorrow''.

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