Security of players is major concern during the World Cup: BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary

BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary on Monday addressed several issues at a press conference here to announce Tata Motors’ Harrier as the IPL’s official partner. The issue about the India-Pakistan World Cup match, security concerns, and IPL preparations was all touched upon. Following the Pulwama terror attack, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri had urged the ICC in a letter to sever ties with countries which harbour terror.

However, the BCCI’s request was turned down by the apex cricket board though Chairman Shashank Manohar, saying it has no role to play in matters like these. “I have not written the letter”, said Choudhary at the press conference when asked if Pakistan should have been explicitly mentioned. However, he denied that there was any difference of opinion in the BCCI.

Choudhary also said the letter was mainly concerned about security arrangements ahead of the World Cup. “The BCCI’s concerns were, as I said, primarily, according to the letter, security concerns relating to players and fans which the ICC has wholeheartedly agreed to address. And the ECB representative Colin Grave was of the same view”.

Last year we had advanced the timings for the playoffs to start at 7 pm

Indian selectors are working on the workload schedule of key Indian ODI players in view of the World Cup that immediately follows IPL from May 30, commented Choudhary. “At this stage, it is not proper to divulge but we also have the selectors working on this,” he said.

The issue of advancing the IPL match timings are also a work in progress, he said. IPL CEO, Hemang Amin, said the issue was under evaluation. “Last year we had advanced the timings for the playoffs to start at 7 pm. We are still considering whether to advance it a bit or keep it at 8 pm because it also affects the afternoon game. The players’ well being will have to be considered… Hopefully, within a week or so we will announce the timings once we get the balanced schedule ready.”

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