BCCI stays clear of any relation with the IJPL

The Indian Junior Players League (IJPL) aimed at unearthing under-19 talent found no support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI); in fact, the board had asked the players and state associations to stay clear from participating in the league. The BCCI on Monday (October 9) issued a media release and conveyed that the board or the Indian Premier League (IPL) are in no way related to the IJPL.

It rose to prominence after Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was onboard as the brand ambassador along with other players Rishi Dhawan who has represented India in limited overs cricket and Paras Dogra who has been a part of quite a few teams in the IPL. After the BCCI’s warning, the players had withdrawn their support and had nothing to do with the league.

“It has come to our attention that certain T20 cricket matches, series, tournaments and/or camps are being conducted by leagues under the names of Indian Junior Players League (“IJPL”) and Junior India Player League / Junior Indian League (“JIPL”),” the BCCI release stated.

“This is to bring to your notice that any matches, camps tournament and/or series organized by IJPL and JIPL (collectively the “Leagues”) or any activity undertaken by the said Leagues are not being conducted by the BCCI/Indian Premier League (“IPL”) and are in no way associated with any activities undertaken or approved by the BCCI/IPL or their representatives.

Unapproved Tournaments

Thus the tournament doesn’t hold a legitimate status from the Indian board which makes any association by the players who are registered with the BCCI a violation of the norms.

“Accordingly, any matches and activities conducted by the Leagues are deemed to be Unapproved Tournaments. Any player registered with the BCCI knowingly participating, representing or associating himself/herself with IJPL and JIPL in any manner is doing so without the consent of BCCI would be doing so in violation of the BCCI Rules and Regulations,” the release further clarified.

Players withdraw support

“The players who had been associated with any one of the Leagues in the past i.e. Gautam Gambhir, Paras Dogra and Rishi Dhawan have stated in writing that they have withdrawn all support and are no longer associated with the said unapproved Leagues,” the Indian board mentioned.