BCCI slams Star's claim on Kohli's absence
Subramaniam ThiluxanDesk Reporter
Posted - 2018-09-17T16:00:13+06:00
Updated - 2018-09-17T16:00:13+06:00
Board of Control for Cricket in India has made a harsh reply on Star network's complaint in Asian Cricket Council regarding Virat Kohli's absence in the ongoing Asia Cup tournament.
The 14th edition of Asia Cup is being played in United Arab Emirates from September 15th. All the teams are playing with their strong squad even though some issues are there with them like injuries.
In the Indian camp, BCCI has given a rest for their skipper Virat Kohli because of his work loads and fitness concerns. The decision was taken considering India's upcoming overseas tours and World Cup preparations.
But the Star network, official broadcasting partners of Asia Cup are not happy with the decision as they will have some viewership problem due to that. So Star has reported to Asian Cricket Council that BCCI has breached Media Rights Agreement.
In an email to ACC, Star has claimed
“In our view, this announcement about the absence of one of the world’s best batsmen from Asia Cup, only 15 days before the commencement of the Asia Cup, is a serious dent to us and will severely impact our ability to monetize and generate revenues from the tournament.
In light of the ACC’s contractual obligations under the MRA as highlighted above and the serious ramifications on our business on account of the absence of the best available Indian team, we hereby request you to get in touch with BCCI at the earliest to ensure that the ACC’s obligations under the MRA are met."
But in reply BCCI has stated that no one can intefer in the selection process as it is completely under control of the board. The rest for the skipper has been given considering his work loads and future schedules.
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri replied to the mail, “Kindly note that the team selected by BCCI selection Committee (an expert body comprising of former cricketers) to participate in the Asia Cup as announced on 1 September 2018 is the best available team."
“Please also take note that selection of the best available team for participation in a tournament is the sole prerogative of the selection committee of BCCI. It is not open for Asian Cricket Council or its broadcaster to insist on the selection of any particular player and/or to question the expert opinion of the Selection Committee as to which is the best available team for a particular tournament.”
He concluded, “Needless to add, this email is being issued without prejudice to BCCI’s rights and contentions in law, all of which are expressly reserved.”