MUMBAI: The Indian Cricketers Association (ICA), the players’ body recognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ONLY because it is meant solely for retired cricketers, is still awaiting funds from the BCCI to kick-start operations, Sportstar reports.
In October last year, the ICA had prepared an annual budget of Rs 150-200 million to run its affairs from a new office space in Mumbai. As of now, the members have been communicating via e-mails and phone calls from their respective locations.
“No, they haven’t given the funds yet. We are waiting for it. Once we get the funds, there will be an office space. We were expecting it to be cleared by January, now, hopefully by February first week. It will all fall in place,” ICA president Ashok Malhotra told Sportstar.
Increased salaries for first-class cricketers is the top agenda of the ICA. It also wants to recommend pension for the wives of the deceased Ranji Trophy players.
“It is the first agenda. First, we have to be acceptable by all state units. A lot of state units, like Bihar, has still not allowed Apex Council members to attend meetings. If they don’t allow them, it becomes null and void,” said Malhotra.
What is a word that fits a body supposedly set up to represent players’ interests but can’t do a stitch without the “munificence” of said game’s governing body? Toothless immediately comes to mind.
