TWI to sponsor Indian team

The marketing committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India which met in New Delhi on Tuesday to decide the sponsors for the Indian team announced that TWI are the new sponsors.

Announcing the decision, BCCI president AC Muthiah said TWI, as Trans World International is better known and a subsidiary of the International Management Group (IMG), bid the highest, 49 per cent more than what the Board was receiving from ITC. He added that as per the new terms, the Board chief said TWI will pay the Board Rs one crore per year for three years for the Trophy title which is yet to be decided.

Among those who attended the meeting were CK Khanna, KM Ramprasad, Narhari Amin (all BCCI Vice-Presidents), PM Rungta (former president), Kishore Rungta (Treasurer), Jyoti Bajpai (Joint-Secretary) and Jaywant Lele (Board Secretary and Convenor). Former ICC chief Jagmohan Dalmiya and Board's Finance Committee Chairman SK Nair were not present.

Graded payment system to be in vogue by year-end: Muthiah

The BCCI president AC Muthiah reiterarated his statement that a graded payment for players would come into operation by the year-end. Talking to reporters in New Delhi after the marketing committee meeting, Muthiah said "We are also considering the players' demand for a contract to secure their future," he said but expressed reservations about players entering into contracts with the Board as well as corporate houses (for endorsements). "They can't have it both ways," he said adding that the problem could be resolved.

Muthiah also said that he, along with BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele and treasurer Kishore Rungta, was leaving for Lahore on Tuesday night to attend the Asian Cricket Council meeting on May 24. He said the agenda for the meeting includes discussion on development of cricket in the region and venues for the Asian Test Championship to be held later this year.

Replying to a question on whether there would be problems on India's participation in the Asian Test Championship, the BCCI president said "the ban is only on bilateral series". Regarding the ICC Knock-Out Tournament, which India intends to host next year, he said "we are waiting to hear from the ICC". The issue will be discussed at the ICC meeting in London next month, he added.

BCA president, secretary to strive for development

Ajay Narayan Sharma who was elected as secretary of the Bihar Cricket Association on Monday said the election of former Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav was a great achievement for Bihar cricket. Talking to PTI over phone from Patna, Sharma said "Bihar cricket under the able guidance of Laloo Prasad Yadav would achieve in three years what it could not in the last 60 years."

Sharma, a former Bihar Ranji Trophy cricketer and current State selector, said "Cricket academies to hone skills of budding players of the state would also be set up at various centres." He added that the association would strive to set up turf wickets in at least 15 districts within three years.

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