BCCI urged to select Champions Trophy squad 'immediately'
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been urged to select a squad for the Champions Trophy immediately, amid continued doubts over the country's participation in the 50-over event.
India are still to submit their squad for the tournament, which takes place in England from June 1-18, after missing the deadline of April 25 set by the ICC.
The BCCI is reported to be unhappy with the reduced revenue share it is due to receive after a new financial model was approved at last week's ICC Board meeting.
Yet the Committee of Administrators (CoA) appointed by India's Supreme Court has told the BCCI to end uncertainty over whether the team will mount a Champions Trophy defence.
An email from the CoA to BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, read: "It would be appropriate to make all necessary preparations for ensuring that Team India can successfully defend its title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which commences on 1st June 2017.
"You are aware that the squad representing India at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 was to be submitted by 25th April 2017 but the squad has not even been selected as yet.
"Please convene a meeting of the selection committee for selecting the squad immediately. The squad can then be submitted to the ICC without prejudice to BCCI's legal rights.
"Team India should be provided with a supportive environment to showcase Indian cricket instead of being surrounded with uncertainty and confusion. The players' interests are paramount and they must be given the best chance to prepare for, defend and retain the ICC Champions Trophy."