BCCI constitutes committee to discuss telecast bill with govt

New Delhi, Feb 7: Adding a new twist to the ongoing telecast rights row, the BCCI today constituted a four-member committee to discuss with the government the proposed draft bill on sharing of feed with private channels.

The committee, headed by BCCI vice-president Shashank Manohar, will also include IS Bindra, treasurer N Srinivasan and Rajasthan Cricket Association President Lalit Modi.

''The issue was discussed in the working committee today meeting and BCCI President Sharad Pawar apprised the committee members of the implications of the draft bill. We have decided to constitute a four-member committee which will talk to government and work out a compromise,'' BCCI vice-President Rajiv Shukla told reporters here today.

''We believe people (who do not have access to cable TV) should not be deprived of watching cricket. But the broadcasters' rights also have to be taken into account. Lot of technical details are involved but we are hopeful reaching a workable solution,'' he added.

The BCCI vice-President said even before constituing the committee, the BCCI was in touch with the government on the matter.

''Mr Pawar met I&B Minister Priya Ranjan Das Munsi recently and they discussed the issue at length. We are aware of our responsibility towards both the people as well as the broadcasters and we are confident of finding a way out of the current situation,'' he said.

The government had promulgated an ordinance making it compulsory for private broadcasters to share their live feed of matches involving India with Prasar Bharti. The move came after Nimbus refused to share its feed of the recently concluded India-West Indies series.

Apart from the telecast row, the other issues which dominated the meeting included changing the format of the Ranji Trophy matches and the release of the Cricket Association of Bengal grants. ''A change in the structure of Ranji Trophy was also discussed but before going ahead with them, the BCCI will hold a seminar of Ranji captains and coaches,'' BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said.

''We have also decided to release the funds of CAB as we feel no matter what the situatuin, the association should not be made to suffer,'' he added.

Speaking on the much-awaited players' contracts, Mr Shukla said the matter will be settled before the World Cup.

''Contracts will be ready before the World Cup. Very shortly we will be meeting the two or three senior players in the team to take their view. We are still working out the modalities,'' Mr Shukla said.

''Contracts is a matter between the board and the players and despite the delay, the players have not complained. So I don't see any problem in that. We are in the process of working out things and the issue will be settled very soon,'' he added.

Mr Shukla also said that Team India will leave for the World Cup in West Indies on February 28 and will be accompanied by two managers.

''We have appointed M P Pandav and Sanjay Jagdale as Indian team's managers for the World Cup,'' he said.

Mr Shah, meanwhile, revealed that an Israel Under-17 team will be in India in mid-March to play five of six ODIs.

''We will be hosting the Israel Under-17 team next month for a small 12-day tour,'' he said.

UNI