BCCI to disallow State boards from collaborating with foreign boards

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to tighten its hold on state associations for independently engaging with foreign cricket boards to organize training camps and competitions. In the Apex Council meeting which is set to be held on March 18th, the BCCI plans to make it necessary for state boards to pass all proposals for training camps and competitions with overseas teams through the parent body.

The move comes after several state associations, including Delhi and Puducherry, initiated discussions with foreign boards, particularly those representing associate nations, regarding potential hosting arrangements for exposure trips and competitions. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has even received a proposal from the Nepal board.

"State units can surely partner with foreign boards for cricket-related activities but those agreements have to be facilitated by the BCCI as it is the parent body. All proposals must go through BCCI," said a BCCI source.

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Apex Council meeting to be held to discuss state cricket associations collaborating with foreign boards 

This decision came after BCCI's desire to maintain control over India's cricketing engagements on a state level. Associate nations like Nepal have been looking to gain valuable experience by touring different Indian state teams ahead of major tournaments like the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean islands.

This isn't the first time the BCCI has supported associate members' development. Afghanistan had made India its base for training and hosting competitions in cities like Dehradun and Greater Noida during the pre-COVID era when international cricket was disrupted.

The BCCI's move provides a structured channel for state associations to collaborate with foreign teams while giving the parent body oversight. As the powerhouse of world cricket, the BCCI can leverage its clout to facilitate meaningful exposure for associate nations aiming to improve their standards.

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Moreover, the recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) inked between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) strengthened a broader trend of cricketing nations boosting the development efforts of their counterparts.