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India’s hosting of the 2011 World Cup could be at risk if it does not sign a new contract with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

India’s cricket board (BCCI) objects to the members’ participation agreement, covering major one-day tournaments. “If the BCCI fails to agree terms, it will mean they could not continue as one of the hosts of the 2011 World Cup. We hope agreement can be reached and that common sense will prevail,” said ICC president Percy Sonn.

The BCCI has until next Tuesday to notify the world governing body of specific objections to the contract. India are currently scheduled to host the 2011 World Cup final, with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh sharing other games in the tournament.

The new members’ agreement is set to run from 2007-15 and cover 18 major events, including two World Cups, three Champions Trophy tournaments and the first two Twenty20 World Championships. Once a deal is in place, the ICC can finalise negotiations with television broadcasters, expecting to improve on its existing $550m (£291.5m) deal.

In an extra twist, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed an interest in bidding for the rights itself, and selling them on to other broadcasters. The BCCI caused a major row ahead of the last World Cup in 2003 when it declined to sign the participating nations’ agreement. Ambush marketing rules prevented its players from advertising products of companies that were rivals of the ICC’s official sponsors.

“The new MPA is significantly more flexible than the agreements that regulate participation in ICC events through to 2007,” Sonn said. “In particular, the MPA addresses all areas of concern raised by Indian players ahead of previous ICC events and provides more scope for players and boards to maintain their own interests,” he added.
Source:The News

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