Friday, November 21, 2008

Lloyd, Ranatunga, Miandad vs BCCI!

Homer reports that the BCCI has asked the ICC to remove Clive Lloyd from his post as the Chairman of the ICC Cricket's Committee.

This request has been made after Lloyd made a statement saying that the ICL and the IPL can coexist and that there was need for communication between the two leagues amongs other things.

This is not the first time that the BCCI has requested for the removal of an official due to the ongoing war between the two 20-20 leagues.

They did the same when they threatened to sever all ties with Sri Lanka Cricket if Arjuna Ranatunga was not removed as the Chairman of SLC.

The BCCI conveyed that threat because Ranatunga had been in an IPL-bashing mode for quite some time.

He first called the IPL names such as "instant noodles". Then he lifted the bans imposed on Sri Lanka's ICL players. He tried to get the Sri Lankan cricketers to play a test series in England instead of the IPL. And then finall he blamed the IPL for SLC's financial losses.

Ranattunga's claims may not be all that accurate but is the BCCI right in requesting for these removals?

Isn't that trying to wield that baton of their power a bit too much?

I then wonder how the BCCI will react to Javed Miandad's recent statement.

The recently appointed Director General of the PCB spoke of the need to allow Pakistan's ICL players to play international cricket.

That was all fine, but Miandad went on to call the BCCI a bully and that all boards needed to think for themselves and not tow the line of the BCCI.

Surely Lalit Modi & Co. will not take that lying down.

I foresee a request to removed Miandad from the PCB.

The BCCI could also threaten to cancel the upcoming tour.

How long will this go on for?

Seriously the BCCI should just look to find a solution to this whole mess. Let the ICL exist. After all, competition is only healthy.

Now will the BCCI request me to stop blogging?

Make your pitch on this post...



Labels: , , , , , , ,


30 Pitched:

  1. Anonymous said...
     

    What idjots the BCCI are on this harmless statement! Wasim has sounded off one for the ICl inclusion in his blog... be nice if all bloggers contribute their thoughts there... cheers

  2. Viswanathan said...
     

    Q,

    If I was the BCCI I would keep cool and then do the best to scuttle the India - Pak tour.

    It will automatically cut people like Miandad to size.:)

    BTW, I read that Malik has asked Miandad to help the cricketers. I foresee a clash between Alam and him shortly.

  3. Gaurav Sethi said...
     

    Q, BCC! wants you to keep blogging.

  4. Homer said...
     

    Q,

    Why should the BCCI recognize an entity that is a direct challenge to its product?

    The ICL continues to exist and the BCCI continues not to recognize its existence..

    Bit rich then for Arjuna, Javed and others to ask the BCCI to bend..

    If Mr Miandad is a man of his word, let him go ahead and not tow the line of the BCCI.

    Cheers,

  5. Unknown said...
     

    Q

    LOL yeah they would want us to stop blogging just the way they banned all the journalists who were covering ICL.

    There is nothing BCCI can do if the other boards lift the bans, IPL will loose its attraction if these boards pull out their players so the threat that BCCI will not send its team to Pakistan will not go too far.

  6. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer

    Isn't India a free economy?

    Its a fact that IPL's revenue stream for the next 10 years is guaranteed it will not loose any thing if ICL exists or cease to to exist.

    Why should the other boards suffer to protect BCCI's interest? when they have no financial interest in the whole situation.

  7. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    India also has ONE government..Just because India is a free economy does not mean I can go and put together an alternate government.
    Nor can I go collecting taxes becaus ehey, the Government's revenue sources are guaranteed, in perpetuity.

    That is anarchy right there.

    The BCCI is the recognized repository of cricket in India.The ICL is an alternate power source.

    Now, if the other Boards feel so victimized by the whole situation, they are free to do what they wish - if Pakistan wants to make the Lahore Badshahs their national team, they are welcome to. Only dont expect the BCCI to send a team to play this newly minted Pakistan team.

    "Why should the other boards suffer to protect BCCI's interest? when they have no financial interest in the whole situation."

    I am sorry, but every time an Indian team tours, the host board is guaranteed a full house and assured TV revenues.

    Which is why England is so keen on hosting India Pakistan test matches.

    And which is why the SLC, despite running an overdraft, found itself in the black.

    So, even if cricket boards dont have a piece of the IPL, let us not overstate that case by satying that Cricket Boards dont financially benefit because of the BCCI.

    "There is nothing BCCI can do if the other boards lift the bans, IPL will loose its attraction if these boards pull out their players so the threat that BCCI will not send its team to Pakistan will not go too far."

    Dont bet on it..True, the BCCI cannot do anything if the other Boards dont play ball and likewise the other Boards will be able to do zilch if the BCCI decides to play hardball.. Not touring Pakistan will only be a start...

    Cheers,

  8. Homer said...
     

    oh, and one more thing - this whole charade of Pakistan being a safe play to play cricket hinges on only one thing - India touring Pakistan on a regular basis despite hostilities.

    The day India says no to a Pakistan tour,Pakistan can kiss staging cricket at home good bye.

    Cheers,

  9. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer

    India and Pakistan didnt played each other for almost 10 years was that the end of the world for Pakistan cricket. I don't think so.

    Pakistan has already made alternate arrangements so if nobody wants to tour for what ever reasons it doesn't matter anymore neutral ground will always be an option. We will see how that is refused.

    India also has ONE government..Just because India is a free economy does not mean I can go and put together an alternate government.

    I am sorry to say the ideals of free market economy do not work around such trivial arguments.If India is keen to give BCCI the Monopolistic status then the center should issue a notification to that affect until then BCCI is just another autonomous body which has to accept competition according to the laws of the country.

    If India has guaranteed us packed houses, then Pakistan team has also reciprocated.The loss will be mutual and hence it is nothing but a blank fire.

    So you are saying India will not tour Srilanka, it will not tour Pakistan and if Newzealand also lifts the ban it will not tour there either wouldn't the loss again be mutual and might signal the end of IPL and the end of the Asian bloc and ultimately the end of BCCI's totalitarian reign over world cricket.

    If that's what you guys want instead of an amicable solution where every bodies interest is protected then so be it.

    The bans must go.

  10. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    I am trying to make sense of the argumnent here Wasim - it okay for all Boards to do as they please and wrong for the BCCI to stand up for its interests?

    Pakistan can play who it chooses to. If it is the Lahore Badshahs, they are welcome to it. But let us not try to convince ourselves that Pakistan's actions will be in a vacuum.

    "India and Pakistan didnt played each other for almost 10 years was that the end of the world for Pakistan cricket. I don't think so."

    And during that period, you did not have Sept 11th and teams not touring Pakistan because of security concerns.

    "I am sorry to say the ideals of free market economy do not work around such trivial arguments.If India is keen to give BCCI the Monopolistic status then the center should issue a notification to that affect until then BCCI is just another autonomous body which has to accept competition according to the laws of the country."

    I think the monopoly stems from the fact that the BCCI is India's representative to the ICC. And because the BCCI has petitioned to the courts to uphold its status as an autonomous body is the reason why the ICL can get access to the grounds and the players and all else.

    "If India has guaranteed us packed houses, then Pakistan team has also reciprocated.The loss will be mutual and hence it is nothing but a blank fire."

    umm.. No.. Pakistan has long ceased to be a draw card in India.

    "So you are saying India will not tour Srilanka, it will not tour Pakistan and if Newzealand also lifts the ban it will not tour there either wouldn't the loss again be mutual and might signal the end of IPL and the end of the Asian bloc and ultimately the end of BCCI's totalitarian reign over world cricket.

    If that's what you guys want instead of an amicable solution where every bodies interest is protected then so be it."

    But doesnt the cricket world want an end to the BCCI's "totalitarian reign over world cricket" ? I would have thought everyone would jump at the first available opportunity to facilitate this.

    It may signal the end of the IPL and it may signal the end of the Asian bloc but the loss wont be mutual.

    If the Asian bloc goes, the fallout will be more inimical to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh than it will be to India. And if the IPL goes, so be it.. One less revenue stream but that is about it.

    if the BCCI loses revenue streams, the ICC and subsequently all other boards lose money. That is they way the equation is.

    "The bans must go."

    The onus of that resides with the different Boards.. But let us remind ourselves that having your cake and eating it too aint gonna happen..

    Cheers,

  11. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    You know what the real funny bit - Ranatunga and Miandad are fully aware of the BCCI's sensitivities about the ICL issue and yet they take a contrary stand.

    And you are making the argument that somehow, the BCCI should lump its sensitivities and bend over backwards to accommodate messers Ranatunga and Miandad.

    Cheers,

  12. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer everybody has their own interests its not that BCCI's interests are more sacred then the rest of the world.

    If bomb blasts happen in Pakistan they also do in India and other countries so the security card can be played both ways so far Pakistan has been very defensive about the issue but has seen no improvement. We have nothing to lose the situation will change when it will change.

    Trust me Lahore Badshas will pull more crowd then the Indian team and most probably will play more exciting cricket.

    "I think the monopoly stems from the fact that the BCCI is India's representative to the ICC. And because the BCCI has petitioned to the courts to uphold its status as an autonomous body is the reason why the ICL can get access to the grounds and the players and all else."

    BCCI wants to have both sides of the coin whenever it suits it becomes autonomous and when it doesn't it wants to portray itself as a state owned monopoly. As I said before if India wants to give BCCI the exclusive rights to govern cricket then there should be a notification or legislation made by the center until then the field is open for everybody.

    If private leagues can exist in WI and England they can also exist in India, change is the only unchangeable law of nature,BCCI and all the other boards will have to accept this change that they no longer will enjoy monopoly over cricket in future.

    BCCI never felicitated ICL in getting the players and infrastructure it was the independent decision of some regional governments.

    "umm.. No.. Pakistan has long ceased to be a draw card in India."

    I beg to differ.

    "But doesnt the cricket world want an end to the BCCI's "totalitarian reign over world cricket" ? I would have thought everyone would jump at the first available opportunity to facilitate this."

    Well to be very honest the way BCCI is operating that should be the way to go, but unfortunately all the other boards are only asking for an amicable solution where they don't get crushed for somebody else's gains and in somebody else's fight.

    "if the BCCI loses revenue streams, the ICC and subsequently all other boards lose money. That is they way the equation is."

    I think the notion that world cricket cannot survive without BCCI's money is over exaggerated,cricket will find other buyers and other markets if BCCI doesn't want it. The loss if there is any will be mutual.

  13. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    Then why are all Boards just posturing without actually doing something concrete?

    Private leagues have existed in all cricket playing countries but not all private leagues have been recognized by the local cricket authorities.

    Heck, even today, the WSC games have not been accorded Test status!

    Cheers,

  14. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer

    What sensibilities?

    If somebody talks about their interest and analyzes the situation from a neutral point of view how can it hurt BCCI's sensibilities that is a very self centered approach to begin with.

    The bottom line is if BCCI wants to remain an economic powerhouse in cricket it will have to let go of these arm twisting techniques and will have to listen to it's partners, all the other boards committed their resources Upon BCCI's request they have co-operated in every manner now it is time for BCCI to look after the interests of its partners and reciprocate by resolving the issues which they face as a result of their co-operation.

  15. Anonymous said...
     

    Where ever the problems exist most of the boards are gearing toward a resolution,I think a new legal framework for recognizing private leagues should be created by ICC and that will resolve the problem.

    Cricket is the only major support where private leagues are being resisted.

  16. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    Miandad and Ranatunga are affiliated to their boards, LLoyd was a member of the Stanford entourage not so long ago.

    Since when did Miandad and Ranatunga and Lloyd become neutral viewpoints?

    And the BCCI becoming a powerhouse in cricket has little to do with other Boards - it is the Indian public's capacity to spend along with some astute marketing and a pretty good cricket team that have lead to the BCCI being where it is.

    Also, the ICC wanted the BCCI to talk to the ICL and they did, so it is not like the BCCI is not playing ball.

    Cheers,

  17. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer

    Miandad has joined PCB just days ago he has been maintaining this viewpoint for quite some time, Lloyd is no longer associated with Stanford, and Rantunga I am glad at least there is one board official who had balls to stand up against these farcical bans.

    BCCI's economic power can only be sustained if it enjoys the co-operation of other boards lets not fool ourselves, any sanctions or retaliatory measures by BCCI if reciprocated will cause serious damage to IPL and also the future earnings of BCCI.

    Whether we admit or not but it is a fact.

  18. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    And it is a two way street - the impact felt will not be by the BCCI alone.

    And the BCCI will survive the economic impact - can you say the same about other Boards?

    Cheers,

  19. Anonymous said...
     

    Homer

    Thats what I have been saying all along, the loss will be mutual.

    But having said that imagine if only three countries pull out their players from IPL in retaliation can you imagine the financial impact it will have on IPL its franchisees and its sponsors.The bigger the gains the bigger is the risk of loss that's a simple business rule.
    So my friend the notion that BCCI has a bigger stick in this case is nothing but a blank fire.

    Top cricket will find another market BCCI has a bigger stake in the whole situation.

    Now which scenario is better in your opinion, India having the top two leagues in the world and becoming the epic center of top cricket in the world or by entering into a feud with its partners and destroying everything.

    BCCI is being operated by savvy businessmen they will never tread on this dangerous path.

  20. Anonymous said...
     

    The billion dollar future revenue will turn into a billion dollar loss in a few years if India decided to punish its partners over the ICL bans.

  21. Homer said...
     

    Wasim,

    Sure.. But will the ICL last that long?

    And if the IL does not survive, wont it be a fight for nothing ?

    Cheers,

  22. Anonymous said...
     

    I don't see ICL going any where although I do not have any figures to prove their financial viability but judging from the TV ratings and packed stadiums I don't think its going any where, it is also benefiting from the fact that it does not have to pay huge sums of money in lieu of affiliation fees,under the present system they will continue to poach disgruntled players the supply of such players is not going to stop, yes if it is regularized then I guess the other boards will have a upper hand and that is the main reason ICL has not gone after BCCI aggressively in the courts they are enjoying the status quo.

  23. Q said...
     

    Ott - Alam is a well respected man in the Pakistan cricket circles and he knows Miandad's worth..

    Don't forget that it was Alam who made Miandad get along with Imran Khan during the 92 World Cup.

    Miandad wouldn't do anything without Alam's support..

  24. Q said...
     

    Hahaha! Thanks for the support NC ;-)

  25. Q said...
     

    Wasim - Homer, thats quite a discussion u guys got going there. I will give my thoughts when my mind is fresher.

    In short though, I believe the ICL is good for the game. Competition is good for the IPL and 20-20 leagues around the world and at the end of the day, a free market only increases revenues across the board.

    It will only lead to higher fees for players, higher stakes for TV rights and so on..

    I feel a solution needs to be reached where some profits from the ICL go to the ICC, hence making it like one of the national boards that share part of their revenues for the development of the game. That way no one will be able to say that the ICL is deepening the pockets of Subhash Chandra and giving nothin back to the sport.

    Allowing the ICL to operate officially will not harm the IPL or the BCCI.. both have their own set of players, their dates don't clash, their sponsors are different so why the war?

    At the end of the day the ICL is just an alternative feeder to Indian cricket, an alternative medium of cricket, and an alternative revenue option..

    More on this later..

  26. Anonymous said...
     

    Q,

    "I feel a solution needs to be reached where some profits from the ICL go to the ICC, hence making it like one of the national boards that share part of their revenues for the development of the game."

    I share the same view to resolve this fiasco. Otherwise I find no reason to allow the ICL a free hand.

    If the ICL gets recognized in its current state, then world cricket won't be dealing with just one break away but potentially possible 15-20 more opening a huge market where no one can thrive that too without any regulations.

    In order to have a quality product, you have to invest in the grassroots... with the ICL not showing any inclination doing it, they want to take the cake and eat it too.

    And yes without any doubt, if the ICL gets accepted in its current structure by other boards in their self-interest, it will signal a rift in the asian bloc and we can all once again fall to the mercy of the ECB and CA to grace their presence to play in these parts.

    And any dream of holding a world cup can be thrown off too.

    If it hits the BCCI, it will hit other boards too... not long ago the ICC was bankrupt.

    And yes, back will the mantra of survival of the fittest.

    As far as Tunga goes, am in complete loss of words... everyone here is praising him for standing up to the BCCI.

    Hello? Hello? Why is it none asking Tunga how it became bankrupt in the first place!!!!

    Unlike Pakistan, SL had the opportunities to play cricket.

    This is the idiocy behind the mask of anti-BCCI.

  27. Anonymous said...
     

    And q.. ECHOING NC... the real BCC! wants you to blog :)

  28. Q said...
     

    I agree Scorps.. there needs to be more from the ICL than there is right now for it to be official but then that needs to be communicated to them.

    I feel they are being treated unfairly now because no one is willing to give them a chance or telling them what they need to do to be an officially recognised league.

  29. Damith S. said...
     

    Keep blogging my man. Down with the Man !

  30. Q said...
     

    Surely am Damith!

Post a Comment