Date:05/09/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/09/05/stories/2002090505880100.htm

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ICC chief meets Indian players

LONDON SEPT. 4. In a bid to find a ``suitable compromise'' to resolve the sponsorship controversy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, today held consultations with the Indian players here.

Mr. Speed decided to hold the talks after a request from the BCCI president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, to meet with the Indian players to discuss their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka later this month.

Before going for the parleys, Mr. Speed said "the Board of Control for Cricket in India had advised us that it had not reached an agreement with the players and the ICC should deal directly with them to see if it is possible to find a suitable compromise''. He said he was hopeful that a solution would be found ``that will allow the best players in India to represent their country and for the ICC's commercial partners who support the sport to be protected from ambush marketing programmes of their competitors''. _ PTI

Our Kolkata Sports Reporter earlier reported that the BCCI chief sent a fax to Mr. Speed saying that "the Indian players are actively considering the clarifications provided to them regarding conflicting advertising during the duration and 30 days after the event as well as imaging. Although, they have not yet responded to the BCCI's letter dated September 2, 2002, it appears that the players are looking for some more clarifications.

"In view of the paucity of time for the pre-tournament logistics, it is felt that a shorter route should be devised for providing clarifications. Since the Champions' Trophy 2002 is an ICC event, it is felt that you as the managing director of the IDI would be the best person to provide the clarifications and to grant dispensation, if any.'' Mr. Dalmiya stated. The BCCI president further said, "Since the team is in London and you are also in the same city, you may interact with the players by Wednesday. This time frame is suggested because the Oval Test starts on September 5. From the Indian view point, it is an extremely crucial Test match with the series evenly poised at 1-1 and the players would have to concentrate on the game.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to request the ICC for sympathetic considerations of the view points of the Indian players, should they be looking for some concessions or relaxation of certain clauses,'' Mr. Dalmiya concluded.