Our problem is with WICB and not their players - BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel says no IPL ban for WI cricketers
Following the West Indies players’ unprecedented pull-out mid-way through the tour, there were wide speculations that the BCCI might expel them from playing in IPL. However, Sanjay Patel, the BCCI secretary has cleared that the Indian board is only upset with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and not its players.
“There is no question of stopping them (West Indies players) from playing in the IPL. Our problem is with the West Indies Board and not their players,” Patel told mid-day from Baroda on Saturday.
"Whatever is happening is between their players and Board. The BCCI is not at all concerned with it. We have a contract with the WICB. Also, a lot of these West Indies players are bought by the franchises,” he added.
A lot of players from the Caribbean including their ODI captain Dwayne Bravo, star opener Chris Gayle, mystery spinner Sunil Narine and hard-hitting Keiron Pollard are an intergral part of their respective IPL franchises. Together with the Australian and South African cricketers, the Windies provide the much needed star value and global attraction to the annual T20 competition.
On the other hand, these players earn a significant amount of money through the IPL. With Patel himself denying a ban on their participation, the players can now breathe easy.
England was ready to send their team
However, the BCCI suffered heavy losses after the tour was called off with the 4th ODI. As a result, 5 matches were cancelled: 1 ODI, 1 T20I and 3 Tests. To fill in the void and to manage their financial damages, the BCCI requested Sri Lanka to tour India which they readily agreed. The islanders will play 5 ODI matches and further official announcements on match dates and venues are expected shortly.
The secretary also informed that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were also interested to send their team to India. But the two neighbours already reached an agreement by the time they responded.
“This is a completely unprofessional attitude. We will send a legal notice to them and also take it up with the ICC. We were lucky that our good old friends Sri Lanka agreed to play a series (five ODIs from November 1-15) at such a short notice. The English Cricket Board (ECB) was also willing to help us by sending their team. But by the time we got their reply, we had already committed to play with Sri Lanka,” Patel signed off.