ICC And FMCA Debates In BCCI's Absence On How And When To Stage The 2020 T20 World Cup

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 set to be postponed due to the global pandemic that is the novel coronavirus that has proceeded to put all sporting activities to a grinding halt, the all-powerful Financial and Commercial Affairs Committee [FMCA] of the International Cricket Council met with the apex body’s CEO Manu Sawhney via video teleconference.

Among the many issues that were discussed, the meeting’s primary agenda revolved around when and how to accommodate the 2020 T20 World Cup between 2021-2023, according to a report published in the Times of India.

“It was first suggested to postpone this year’s edition (T20 World Cup) to February-March next year. That’s not a possibility anymore. Then it was suggested the other day to allow Australia to host the 2021 edition and that India should host it in the months of February and March in 2022,” sources in the know-how of the developments told Times of India.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] chairman Ehsan Mani-led committee objected to the suggestion.

The main reason behind the objection was is if the T20 World Cup is staged in October-November 2021, then what sense does it make to hold the next edition again in February-March of 2021.

“Are we saying that the team winning the 2021 edition will only remain champions for five or six months? Where’s the sense in that?” sources added.

Also Read: Faf Du Plessis Reckons Both IPL And T20 World Cup Are Possible If The Stakeholders Are Flexible In Scheduling

BCCI is not a part of FMCA that discussed the staging of T20 World Cup with the ICC

Interestingly, the FMCA- which consists of the respective chairmen of Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa, Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board and ICC’s deputy chairman Imran Khawaja as its members alongside ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and CEO Sawhney as the part of the committee along with an independent director in the form of Indra Nooyi , does not have a representative from India.

“It was very conveniently ensured a couple of years ago that India will not have a single representative in this committee. The BCCI has raised this as a matter of principle in the past but thanks to the administrative inertia seeping in because of court-related matters, India hasn’t been able to pursue this more vigorously,” add those in the know.

With the BCCI’s revenues at stake, considering they are the host of the 2021 event, their views haven’t been sought yet.

“If every country is concerned about the pandemic eating into revenue cycles, then so is India. The flipside is India taking a hit will mean everybody getting affected because of it. BCCI’s views are most necessary,” say industry executives.

And, why should the BCCI agree to host the tournament in 2022 and let go of the hosting rights in 2021 when it is already helping Cricket Australia by making sure that India tours Down Under later this year?

“To suit Cricket Australia? BCCI is already ensuring Cricket Australia doesn’t lose out by making sure India tours there this year-end for the Test series. If ICC and Cricket Australia further want India to oblige in 2021 by agreeing to play hosts in 2022, the BCCI will be fair in demanding adequate reasons and seeking a fair share of obligation in return,” said the sources.

Also Read: Misbah-ul-Haq: T20 World Cup Will Highlight Cricket Resuming Internationally