MUMBAI: The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) was on Sunday granted Rs 20 million by the BCCI to kick-start its operations. The decision was taken at the BCCI’s apex council meeting here on Sunday.
The ICA, notionally India’s first-ever players’ association but really a toothless organisation as it is comprised of retired cricketers (which is the sole reason it has been recognised by the BCCI), has been desperately seeking funds ever since its office bearers were elected in October last year.
The retired players’ body had prepared a tentative budget of Rs 150-200 million and was seeking an initial grant of Rs 50 crore but got Rs 20 million, which will go towards setting up office space in Mumbai.
“There are some tax issues that need to worked out and that is why ICA has been given Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million). If they want more in the near future, we will sanction more,” a BCCI official told PTI.
There’s a catch in the unnamed BCCI official’s assurances though. While the ICA has received the initial grant, it will have to raise money on its own in the long run. From where and how a body that exists purely on the “mercy” of the BCCI will be able to manage self sufficiency remains open to question.
