CHENNAI: Numbers might have pointed towards something else two months ago, but the BCCI is gaining in confidence ahead of the crucial ICC meeting in Dubai on April 26-27. Outvoted 7-2 (one abstaining) in the previous meeting when it came to opposing the proposed revenue sharing model, the richest board is quietly plotting moves to script a change.
The BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chowdhary will attend the meeting of ICC board of directors where the revenue matter will come up for ratification, while CEO Rahul Johri will attend the one featuring chief executives of the member boards. Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry will also be in Dubai. According to unconfirmed reports, Chowdhary and Chaudhry are already there to start deliberations.
Although Vinod Rai — head of the court-appointed committee of administrators — is said to have proposed a “win-win” model wherein all members including India benefit, the BCCI is banking also on voting equations. ICC rules say three-fourth of members have to vote in favour for a new proposal to be accepted. It can be stalled if three of the 10 members oppose the motion and this is where the BCCI expects old connections to come in handy.
In the previous meeting in February, India and Sri Lanka voted against the new model, Zimbabwe stayed away from voting, while others embraced the new system proposed by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, which sees the BCCI lose around `3600 crore over 16 years. The BCCI is now hoping to add Zimbabwe and Bangladesh to the list of members against the new model. Ultra hopefuls are also thinking of having the West Indies on board.
“Talks are going on and we are hopeful. World cricket needs BCCI as several smaller boards are dependent on bilateral series against India for financial well-being. It’s not healthy for them to continuously oppose the BCCI because there are other issues too, where they need our support. The numbers should be different if matters come to votes at the meeting,” a BCCI member in the know of things told Express.
As last resort, the BCCI is not ruling out issuing a threat to pull out of the Champions Trophy in June. A squad of 15 has to be announced by April 25, which can be changed subject to injuries. Till Sunday, no selection meeting had been called.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com