BCCI SGM

India's Champions Trophy participation - FAQs answered

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Can India actually pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017? © Getty

India's participation in the 2017 Champions Trophy still remains under a cloud with the BCCI not announcing the squad despite overshooting the deadline for the same. Can India actually pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017? Why is BCCI insisting on sending a notice to the ICC? What does ICC - and even BCCI - stand to lose if they actually pull out? Here are all the FAQs explained:

Can India pull out of ICC Champions Trophy 2017?

Yes, they can, if a majority of the BCCI members agree upon it.

How will it happen?

The BCCI has a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Sunday (May 7) to discuss the revenue and governance structure decisions taken during the ICC meet in Dubai late last month. If put to vote, a 2/3rd majority is needed for India to pull out of the Champions Trophy.

What led to the possibility of an India pull-out?

BCCI is displeased with the proposed new revenue distribution model of ICC, with its share being slashed from a current $570 million to a projected $293 million. The board also rejected ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar's offer of an additional $100 million. Additionally, the ICC has also decided to do away with the 'Big Three' governance structure which reduces BCCI's stronghold in ICC.

Why is it 'ICC vs BCCI vs CoA'?

BCCI's action plan is to send a legal notice to ICC regarding the Members Participation Agreement (MPA). BCCI Secretary Amitabh Choudhary, along with a few former board presidents (Anurag Thakur, N Srinivasan), is adamant on sending a notice to 'protect BCCI's interests' or, in other words, threaten to pull India out of the Champions Trophy.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) prevented BCCI from sending a notice before the SGM takes place. The CoA is the only power within BCCI to send any legal notices, for now. Choudhary had insisted that the notice has to be sent at the earliest and that 23 members have agreed to it. It is yet to be seen if the same numbers reflect if and when it is put to vote during the SGM.

What is the MPA?

It is a legally binding document that was signed by ICC and its members in 2014. In the MPA, BCCI has clauses protecting its interests, which if breached can lead to BCCI revoking from the MPA. The BCCI views the changes in revenue sharing and governance structure as a threat to their interests. And so, are ready to send out a notice to the ICC threatening to pull out of the Champions Trophy.

What would be the possible repercussions of that?

If India pull out of the Champions Trophy, it will be a loss-loss situation for both the parties. ICC stands to lose a substantial amount of money from gate-revenue, sponsors etc. The broadcasters, who are important stakeholders, will stand to lose a significant amount of money as well. BCCI, too, will lose an estimated $500 million if the pull out happens.

Why will BCCI lose money?

If India revoke the MPA, it not only means a pull out from Champions Trophy 2017 but also from all ICC events for the cycle 2015-23. This means India will lose out on hosting two ICC tournaments - the Champions Trophy in 2021 and 2023 World Cup - in this period. A host nation not only gets funds for hosting but also gets a sizeable amount of revenue through supporting sources such as sponsorship, broadcast deals etc.

Can the BCCI afford to go through with their threat?

As of now, the move is only to send a notice to the ICC and try to pressurise them into going back on the reforms made. For BCCI to go through with the move, they will need a majority of the state associations to support the idea in the SGM.

How likely is to happen?

There have been various reports citing a split within BCCI as regards to a pull-out. Reportedly, 23 member associations including the HPCA, TNCA, JSCA are in favour of sending a notice to ICC. Some others like the Tripura Cricket Association, the Vidarbha Cricket Association, Maharashtra Cricket Association and the Cricket Club of India are against the drastic step.

If there is no majority decision in favour of the pull-out, it means BCCI will have agreed upon the revised ICC structures as well as that India will participate in the Champions Trophy.

Can the CoA prevent BCCI from pulling out?

Not directly. The CoA can only ensure that all due processes are followed while any resolution/decision is taken in the SGM. A majority vote in the SGM is not in breach of any rules of the BCCI constitution. However, CoA has already said that they will approach the Supreme Court if they feel that the decision taken is not in the best interests of Indian cricket.

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