ICC Afraid of Legal Action!

The legal committee of ICC has told them that ICL has the edge in case if ICC was sued by ICL. With the meeting between BCCI and ICL failed, ICL has requested ICC to review the situation during their meeting.

Excerpts from cricinfo website:

Ijaz Butt, the PCB's new chairman made serious revelations about the discussions happened in the ICC meeting. He said, ICC did discuss about the ICL and the ICC lawyers warned ICC that ICL has a very strong case and if they sue, ICC will be in trouble.

The failure prompted Kapil Dev, the ICL chairman, to warn that legal action is very likely if the ICC now doesn't respond to the league's bid for official recognition at its next board meeting. The ICL has issued a letter to the ICC to convene a board meeting after the talks with the BCCI failed.

"I think we are on very good ground as far as a legal case goes," Kapil said. "Eventually we will do that [take legal action]. We are not the ones who are enforcing bans on players or umpires."

Meanwhile ICC has refused to comment on Butt's statement. The ICC considered ICL application at the board meeting last week. BCCI requested meet ICL officials and said it will report back in writing as soon as possible. Until then, no further comment."

ICL has to wait until BCCI respond. I think ICL should give a time frame and if they don't get a response by that time, they should file a legal case against both BCCI and ICC. They should also ask for damges from BCCI.

If they get verdict in favor of ICL, every young player in ICL should sue BCCI for spoiling their career. I am totally annoyed and irritated with BCCI's behavior though I was happy with few of their decisions supporting the players and country during crucial times, I do not like this one stubborness they carry with them.

ICL Was Asked to Shut Down: Kapil Dev

After the meeting between BCCI and ICL failed, the ICL committee is thinking about the next course of action. They have sent a letter to ICC asking them to review the situation again during their board meeting as the meeting with BCCI did not go well.

Kapil came out open and said that "BCCI has asked ICL to shut down its Twenty-Twenty League" for starting the discussion. Yes, they asked us close the Indian Cricket League first. Otherwise, they are not ready to start the discussion.

Kapil said, this is not the right approach as he expected possible solutions to be worked out during the meeting. But BCCI wanted the shut down of ICL, which is not fair.

Kapil said, other options does include legal action are considered.

I also feel that BCCI is being unfair to ICL. They are the one who started this T20 cricket which forced BCCI to start competitive IPL. Trying to knock them out is not a solution, because it would defenitly impact lot of young players who can shine for India in the future.

BCCI, please be relaxes and allow the competition. Else, you trying to monopoly the game will ruin you one day! Life is a cycle and you better be expecting a recession in you soon.

SL Lifts Ban on ICL Players!

The Sri Lankan Cricket announced today that they are revoking the ban on players who joined ICL. This is a very good move and is appreciated by ICL.

"Players will be allowed to play for their respective clubs and share their expertise, but cannot represent the country," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) media manager Shane Fernando said. (source: cricketnext.com)

The Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) banned five of its players for playing in ICL--Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Avishka Gunawardena, and Saman Jayantha.

The SLC said that they can play in domestic matches but not for the nation. Looks like it is a good start and good step forward in favor of ICL.

Relief for these five players, other players representing other countries, and ICL.

Why Not ICL?

What is happening in Cricket? What is the Cricket governing body of international cricket--ICC is doing? They want to promote cricket, but at the same time, do not allow people who help the cause?

The ICL (Indian Cricket League) started by the Zee Television Group was the eye opener for BCCI. It is almost like privatization of government handled units or activities. BCCI does not want anybody to conduct any kinds of matches.

Why? I have analyzed the situation like anyone else and found few reasons which may be valid from BCCIs pespective, though they are not correct:

Loss of Revenue:

Every citizen of India and people around the world who follow cricket knows the reason. If they accept ICL, the money would be shared between BCCI and ICL, which means loss of revenue for BCCI.

Sharing of Power:

The money power that BCCI has today may go away or at least get reduced if there is a competitor.

Confusion for Players:

If both BCCI and ICL conduct events, then players will be in dilemma which one to pick. Though priority can be worked out between BCCI and ICL, the former would try to dominate always.

Ego:

They have not accepted ICL at the first instance and started banning players. Now, if they go back, it would hurt their ego. More than the game, the individual ego is playing a key role.

Can a person in the stature of Kapil Dev would do anything bad to Indian Cricket? The chances he had while playing was more than the chances he has now to spoil Indian cricket. He could have lost a game, he could have taken bad decisions when he was a member of BCCI or coach of Indian Team. If he didn't do it when he had the power or opportunity to do, do you think he is doing it now? Crazy.

I would strongly suggest and recommend ICC that accept ICL as a recognized body and allow them to conduct cricket events. BCCI alone cannot play opportunities to 1.2 billion people or at least 25% of them, who really play cricket.

We still need one more body like ICL and all of them should work together to find the right talent for the game and for the country.

When BCCI is accepting and allowing Indian players to play in English County, why not in another event within our own country?

Guys, competition brings out the best! You are trying to kill or make your partner dark and then play. This is not fair game and not good for Cricket and Country! I don't have anything against BCCI or anything in favor ICL, I am just thinking about CRICKET and COUNTRY and so many young people dreaming that they will get an opportunity!

BCCI v. PCB!

While PCB is trying to find out all the possible routes to conduct the Champions Trophy, BCCI is becoming a bottleneck in their approach.

After the announcement by ICC to postpone the event to next year, Pakistan was trying to invite various teams to play with them a ODI Series or a triangular tournament. But, nothing went in favor of them.

Extract from Times of India:

As per PCB sources, "India is not interested in having the Champions Trophy at all. It has made clear that they see no necessity for this event on the ICC Calendar."

BCCI is clear that they will not change the Australian itinerary scehduled in October 2008 for a 7-match ODI series.

With Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand annoucing withdrawal from the tournament fearing security and safety reasons, ICC postponed the event to October 2008. They retained the hosting rights with Pakistan.

India basically feels that with world cup scheduled for every four years and T20 World Cup every year, Champions Trophy is not needed. But, ICC feels that this woudl spread cricket and help fuding the associate countries.

Pakistan is hopeful of conduting the Champions Trophy next year.

Champions League to as Scheduled!

The chairman of the IPL Lalit Modi has not taken the letter from ICC indicating that the schedule of Champions League is against the ICC rules. According to ICC, no international event should be conducted 7 before and after an ICC event.

ICC has scheduled the Champions Trophy between September 11 and 28. The Champions League starts on 29th.

As far as the venue of the event is concerned, Modi said, "we had initially announced that Delhi, Mohali and Jaipur would host the matches of the Champions League. But we have received various offers. We would like it to be in India in the first year and then ideally rotate it among the founder members. We are quite open (on the issue of venues). It can be in one geographical area too depending on the available infrastructure."

This indicates that the venue can be outside India for the inagural event.

The eight teams are: Two from IPL, Two from Australia, Two from South Africa, One each from Pakistan and England.

Conflict between ICC and IPL!

The ICC has sent a letter to the IPL and Champions League committe that as per the ICC rules they are not supposed to conduct an international event within 7 days of ICC events. The Champions League is planned to start on September 29 whereas the CT ends on September 28th.

BCCI Warns Sehwag

The BCCI has sent a warning letter to Sehwag not to comment openly on the BCCI policies especially on selection of the team. In an interview, Sehwag said that the selectors should consider the recent IPL performance before selecting the team for the tri-series and Asia cup.

Niranjan Shaw confirmed that a warning letter has been sent to Sehwag. The letter mentioned that the board was not happy with his attitude and he has again commented publicly about the selection policies. No player has the right to comment on it as it is the responsibility of the selection committee. The letter asked Sehwag not to indulge in these kinds of activities in future.

IPL Clears SRK Cloud!

The IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi has announced that an all-area accreditation badge will be issued to one member from each team franchisees.

The immediate corrective was taken after the anti-corruption unit stopped the Kolkata Knight Riders owner Sharukh Khan from entering the players dressing room and the players dug out.

Read: SRK Barred by ICC!

Following which, Sharukh Khan said that he was hurt by the ICC rules and no one can stop him from entering the Eden Gardens.

ICC said that it had no role in stopping the actor as it was a domestic tournament organized by IPL, part of BCCI.

Read: ICC Has No Role in Stopping SRK!

"There have been reports in the media about denial of a team owner access to the dug out and dressing room. The IPL is conducted as per the rules and regulations of the ICC whose ACSU officials were just doing the job entrusted," Modi said.

"They go strictly by the colour code. A red badge issued by the ACSU, on approval of the team manager, will help the person holding it access to all areas," he said.

"This is what we intend to do by giving each of the team owners one such badge each. They do have the right to sit with the players in the dug outs and dressing rooms," Modi told a media conference here.

"If we make mistakes we are willing to set them right. This is the first year of IPL." "We had already provided such badges to Preity Zinta (owner of Punjab King's XI) and Vijay Mallya (owner of Bangalore's Royal Challengers) as we had received such a request from them in advance," Modi explained.

"The team owners have the right to be with the team at all times. They are very much part of the team's strategies," he added.

He also said that in addition to the badge, each team will be given four visitor's pass with the condition that the holder of that badge, one at a time, can sit with the team members during the match for a maximum period of 15-minutes each.

The card must be returned to the manager who issued it after the usage.

He also said that the children of the team members including the support staff will not be allowed to enter both dressing room and the dug outs.

With this new approach, the problem of owners spending time with their teams has come to an end!

Good job Modi! Well Done!

ICC has no role in stopping SRK!

The ICC expressed shock over SRK's statement on barring him from entering the players dressing room and the dug outs. The anti-corruption unit staff stopped him from entering these places and asked him to be away from these areas in the remaining matches.

He was seen in the players dug out in the match against Chennai Super Kings. He said, "I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me," he said. "I don't know the ICC rules. I'll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Kolkata. I'll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden."

The ICC spokesman said in Dubai that, "The reported incident has nothing to do with the ICC as IPL is a domestic tournament which is being held under the Rules and Regulations of the BCCI."

The spokesman also said that a consensus was arrived at to have IPL introduce a code of conduct, an anti-corruption code and an anti-dope code that complies with the ICC regulations.

The CEO of Knight Riders Joy Bhattacharya said the ICC rules were meant to stop bookies entering the players area and is not applicable to domestic tournaments like IPL. He was logical when said that the franchise concept was not there when the rules were formed. So, the rules have to be framed considering these concepts.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, asserted that Shah Rukh has to go by ICC rules, even though he felt nothing could really stop the actor from entering the dressing room.

"He should take permission from IPL's anti-corruption officer before entering into the dressing room," Shah said.

Read: SRK Barred by ICC!

SRK Barred by ICC ACU!

The Anti-Corruption Unit of ICC has barred Shahrukh Khan from entering the players dressing room and the team dug out. He is the owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders and was seen in the ground encouraging his team players.

He was also seen in the players dug out during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.

"I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me. I don't know the ICC rules. I'll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Kolkata. I'll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden," Khan said.

Sources revealed that he was asked to stay away from the dressing room and players dug out during the remaining matches.

Not sure what the BCCI and ICC would do as he is the owner of a team!

Bhajji Banned for 5 ODIs

In the slapgate incident involving Harabhajan and Sreesanth, the BCCI disciplinary committee today handed down a 5 ODI ban on Harbhajan Singh. He has accepted that he is guilty and was punished.

Sudhir Nanavathi submitted his report after he was appointed as the enquiry officer for investigating this incident.

He met both the players involved--Harbhajan and Sreesanth and few other players also before preparing his report.

He submitted a 14-page report to the board, but did not include his recommendation on the punishment. He said the disciplinary committee would go through the report and take a decision on the punishment.

What would it mean for Harbhajan? He has to sit out of the tri-series in Bangladesh between June 8 and 14 and then two of the Asia Cup matches scheduled in June and July this year.

"The Committee accordingly decided to ban Harbhajan Singh for five one-day internationals, starting today and further observed that any further instance of misconduct will invoke a life-ban," the BCCI said in a statement after the committee's hearing.

"The Committee invoked Rule 3.2.1 of the BCCI Regulations for Players, Team officials, Managers, Umpires and Administrators. Under this provision, the maximum punishment that can be meted out to a player is a ban up to a maximum of 5 ODIs and / or 3 Test matches," Pawar told reporters. He also said that a copy of the report was given to Harbhajan.

"The Disciplinary committee also considered Sreesanth. He has to improve a lot and if he is does something similar in future, he will be dealt with firm hand," Board secretary Niranjan Shah said.

As far as I am concerned, I think Sreesanth was let off with a mild warning. He shoud have been banned at least for an ODI. Look at the below pictures to see for yourself on his agression. Is he fighting a war in the border against terrorists?



As far as Harbhajan is concerned, I think it is sort of okay because this five match ban carries a severe warning and could end up as life ban if he misbehaves one more time.



I think all the cricketers should behave themselves as they are representing their country and are brand ambassadors for both the sports and their country. They are role model for so many youngsters and also sports and cricketing fans around the world. Is this how they behave?



This is a general question to all cricketers. What are you guys doing after taking a wicket, especially if you take it after long time or if you take it after hit for a four or a six? You show agression agains the batsman, a fellow cricketer, pump in the air, show route to pavilion, etc.



Are you playing cricket or are you fighting war against the terrorirsts? You probably should go to the border or to the war and show this. Guys, either behave properly...after all you have just taken a wicket... and did not kill a terrorist in the war field..or do not play the sport...any sport!

Other Stories:

Harbhajan to get Fair Trial!!

Mumbai Played Without Harbhajan!

Harbhajan's Hearing Today!

Harbhajan and Sreesanth Downplay the Event!

Harbhajan Suspended Until Hearing!

Bhajji Slapped Sreesanth!

Sudhir Nanavati Submits report on Slapgate Incident!

Sudhir Nanavathi submitted his report to BCCI on the slapgate incident involving Harbhajan and Sreesanth.

He met both Sreesanth and Harbhajan separately and did a complete inquiry into the incident. He was given 15 days to complete the enquiry and submit the report.

He said, he was nervous while preparing the report. The report is of 14 pages and has been submitted to the BCCI,

The report will be given to Sharad Pawar, the president and he will forward that to the disciplinary committee.

He said, he did not recommend any punishment and it will be taken care by disciplinary committee.

The rumour is that Harbhajan will not be given life ban, but he faces either a year ban or ban for 5 test matches or 10 ODIs.

Read Other Stories:

Harbhajan Slapped with 11 match Ban!

Harbhajan's Ban costs him 3 crores of Indian Rupees!

Hayden Not to Sledge Sreesanth or Bhajji!

Ganguly and Warne Fined!

Sudhir Nanavathy Completes Enquiry!

Sudhir Nanavathy completed his enquiry into the slapgate incident involving Harbhajan and Sreesanth. He met both the players and collected all the information required.

Sreesanth was slapped by Harbhajan after the match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in Mohali, in which Kings XI beat Mumba Indians.

Sreesanth was crying in the ground caught by TV cameras and later found that he was slapped by Bhajji and hence was crying.

Farooq Engineer, the match referee found Bhajji guilty, in fact, he pleaded guilty and was banned for 11 IPL matches and fined 100% of his match fees.

BCCI appointed Sudhir Nanavathy to do a complete enquiry and submit a report. He met both the players and also saw the video clipping from the offcial broadcaster.

The investigation is over and now I don't need to talk to any player or official in this case," Nanavati said after meeting both the players on Friday. "I'm satisfied with the answers of both Sreesanth and Harbhajan. I've all the evidence that I need to prepare the report.

"I talked to Harbhajan for one hour and 15 minutes and 30 minutes with Sreesanth. They were quite friendly during the hearing."

An Ahmedabad-based lawyer, Nanavati is also vice-president of the Gujarat Cricket Association and chairman of the BCCI's finance committee.

He is expected to submit his report on Monday, May 12, 2008.

Harbhajan asks for one more chance!

Harbhajan has sent several letters to BCCI asking for forgiveness. He has said in the letter that he has apologized for the incident and is ready to give an open public apology.

He asked for forgiveness and be given a chance to play again and have the charges being dropped.

He has mentioned that he has been punished by IPL and request forgiveness from BCCI. Sreesanth already mentioned that he forgot everything about this incident and does not want to complain. He just wanted to continue the game.

Though BCCI confirmed receiving letters, everyone is in the mood of punishing him as slaping a co-player is not acceptable for any reason.

He has to go through the enquiry by BCCI to be conducted by Sudhir Nanavathi.

ICC Seeks Explanation on Kanpur Pitch!

The ICC has received a copy of the match referee's poor report on the Kanpur pitch and is now waiting for a response from the Indian board on the same. But the BCCI played down the issue of what Mickey Arthur, the South African coach, called a "poor cricket wicket".

"It's a normal process where the match referee submits a pitch report to the ICC at the end of the match, a copy of which is also given to the board," said Ratnakar Shetty, the board's chief administrative officer.

South Africa beat India by an innings and 90 runs in Ahmedabad on a bouncy track but lost the Kanpur Test by eight wickets after their batting line-up crumbled on an under-prepared surface. Both matches ended in three days.

"This is not the first time that a match ended in three days," Shetty said. "Definitely there were suggestions for some corrective measures but I don't think it was a notice to the BCCI."

Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive, said a letter had been sent to the BCCI seeking an explanation on the pitch.

Dalmiya Moves to Court, HC takes the Case!

The Kolkata High Court today took up the perjury case filed by former BCCI Chairman Jagmohan Dalmiya against BCCI and its president Sharad Pawar for allegedly producing false documents before the court. This would be heard on April 18.



The perjury case was filed by Dalmiya on July 20, 2007 on the day the High Court had declared that his suspension from the Board was illegal.

The former top boss of Indian cricket had alleged in the perjury case under Section 340 of Criminal Procedure Code that the Board had submitted false documents before the court. Apart from the Board and Pawar, the perjury case was filed against Niranjan Shah, Shashank Manohar and Chirayu Amin -- all top functionaries of the present BCCI management.



Dalmiya had been suspended by the Board on December 16, 2006, and subsequently forced to resign as President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).



The former Indian cricket boss challenged the BCCI's punitive action against him before the Calcutta High Court, which said the suspension was illegal on July 20, 2007.



All this issues came up when BCCI filed a case against Dalmiya on corruption charges--misappropriating the fund to the tune of rupees 2.9 crores.

Dalmiya Arrested and Released in Bail!

Dalmiya was arrested today and released on bail later in the day. He was charged with mishandling the funds of the BCCI to the tune of 2.9 crores rupees.

BCCI states that he has paid amount to SK Industries without getting any service from them. Also, he has claimed bills for his personal travel and expenses.

Dalmiya said that the court has ruled in favor of him in the past and truth will come out in time. Any built up facts cannot equal the truth.

Close friends and other senior cricketers felt that this is not a good situation. They said that Dalmiya contributed to the growth of the Indian cricket. He has taken Cricket to other nations as well.

Pawar says No Revenge!

The new scandal in BCCI is set to open a new case against Jagmohan Dalmiya. Though Dalmiya has denied the charges and said that the Calcutta (Kolkatta) High Court has stayed all the proceedings against him, looks like BCCI is on the move already.

Pawar claims that it is not a revenge act against Dalmiya.

The world's biggest financial institution is levelling charges against each other, which is not good for Indian Cricket!

Harbhan in Trouble Again!

Even after the completing tour of Australia--famous for controversies, Australian players, board and media try to put pressure on Indian team especially Harbhajan. It was reported in the Australian media that Bhajji called Hayden a liar and mentioned that Gilchrist is not as good as everyone thinks in the on-field behavior.

Australian Board, Cricket Australia has written a letter to BCCI asking them to talk to Harbhajan and restrain him from creating new controversies / issues by talking about the completed tour of Australia. They wanted BCCI to handle this as they did it with Hayden.

BCCI has confirmed that they have received the letter and have asked Bhajji to not talk about the past issues! Bhajji has agreed for the same!