Broadcaster Star India expresses worry over Team India’s uncertainty to travel to England

Pressure continues to mount on the International Cricket Council (ICC) as India’s participation in the prestigious 50-overs tournament the Champions Trophy still remains in doubt. The uncertainty has resulted in the stakeholders of the event including the broadcasters reach out to the ICC registering their concerns.

Star India, that telecasts all ICC tournaments in the Indian subcontinent and other South Asian countries has expressed its anxiety over Team India’s participation in the Champions Trophy by writing a letter to the ICC. A senior official of Star Sports said that it is true that the broadcaster has raised concern over the ongoing tussle between the two cricketing boards.

“Yes a letter has gone to the ICC from from our side because you must realise that the Champions Trophy is round the corner and a conclusion must be reached,” the official was quoted as saying by CricketNext.

It becomes natural for the broadcaster to worry as viewership will take a massive hit. Advertisers too are worried about the same. Team India will play Pakistan in their first match on June 4 if at all they participate in the event. The BCCI is yet to announce the squad for the tournament, whereas the cut off date for the same was April 25.

In the wake of the new revenue model passed by the ICC, the BCCI wants to pull out of the tournament as it claims that the new model has left the Indian cricket board with a diminished share.

Meanwhile, RCB star batsman and South African ODI skipper AB de Villiers is hopeful that the Indian team will participation in the tournament that features the top 8 ranked ODI teams.

“The ICC would want India to play the Champions Trophy.” he said. “India won it last time in England and they will be ready for a strong campaign around this year as well.”

If India doesn’t play, it is certain that the tournament will lose a lot of viewership and some shine.