CHENNAI: With revenue share from ICC set for reduction, the BCCI is exploring possibilities of making up. The slot left vacant by the cancellation of Champions League T20 in 2015 is one that can be encashed. Amid talks of a tri-series in the US, a section of BCCI members prefer home fixtures, for greater returns.
Encouraged by the response for the two T20 matches against the West Indies in Florida last year, the BCCI is eager to tap the market.
‘Off-shore alternatives’ is something it has been looking at for a while, but logistical costs in those places eat into profits. Having settled for a cut after much acrimony in ICC, some of the members think it’s imprudent to lose out on more.
“Florida was great as far as the turnout and facilities were concerned. But we made about 50-60% of what could have been the amount in India,” a key BCCI functionary following developments from close quarters told Express.
“Going there again means a loss that we can’t afford at the moment. I’ll say this when the matter comes up for discussion at the appropriate forum.”
Assured of Rs 43 crore per bilateral match on Indian soil from sponsors Star, the BCCI wants to negotiate the amount if it hosts a tri-series in September-October. Since the scrapped CLT20 was on the ICC schedule, all teams are free in that period. Having played 24 bilateral matches at home last season, there are suggestions that there should at least be half that number this season.
Voices in favour of playing at new venues want to look at things long term. “At some point we have to look for new markets and US at this point has great potential. Several IT companies including names like Google are willing to sponsor cricket and there’s a sizable audience, with at least six grounds in different places. Initially, we may not make as much as we do in India. But this will be an investment,” said another member.
Discussed on the sidelines of the May 7 special general meeting in New Delhi, the September-October window will come up for more serious business very soon. With opinion divided, the BCCI needs at least one working committee meeting to take a decision.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com