India 'will participate' in ICC Champions Trophy

Bangalore, 20th August - The Working Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India today decided that India will participate in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in Sri Lanka from 12 to 30 September 2002.

The world of cricket is engulfed in an unprecedented crisis. The Board appreciates that the players had some genuine problems in signing the "Players' Terms" given by ICC for ICC Events. The Board also believes that efforts to sort out problems should be through a process of consultation. With this view, the Board had several rounds of discussion with the players to get out of the impasse for the last few days.

The Board had proposed to the players and to the ICC that the players could agree to abide by the "Players' Terms" only for the ICC Champions Trophy 2002. But this should not be treated as a precedent by the ICC for its future events. The ICC had agreed to the Board's proposal in writing.

During the discussion with the players, the Board had also proposed that if players faced any legal proceedings from their sponsors and were called upon to pay damages, the board would stand by them. The Board had also offered to assist the players in their discussions with the sponsors. At the present moment, despite all assurances, the players have not been able to respond positively.

Under the circumstances, keeping mind the importance of participating in a world event, the Working Committee today decided that India should play in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. The Board would therefore, advise the Senior Selection Committee to identify 20 probables. Such probables would be required to agree the "Players' Terms" proposed by the ICC for the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 alone.

The Board hopes that the members of the Indian team touring England may reconsider and declare their availability. With regard to the Team Sponsorship, the Board has gone through all the necessary documents and is convinced that there is no conflict of interest with any of the ICC sponsors. The position has been apprised to ICC.

The meeting was addressed by Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya at Taj West End, Bangalore. He also didn't give any deadline for announcement of the team. The Selectors have been asked to hand over the team list to the secretary Mr. Niranjan Shah, who was also present at the occasion. He was also surprised for not getting the "Players' Terms" copy signed by the players who are not having any endorsements, presently touring England.