ICC still willing to pay BCCI additional USD 100 million

BCCI's share of the cash pie dropped down to $290 million from $570 million as per the new financial module. But the ICC offered to raise the BCCI's share to close to $400 million, but the game’s richest national body did not agree to accept the offer at the first place. However, Shashank Manohar, the ICC chairman, is still open to taking the total amount to $390 million.

"We have told them (ICC) that we will place their offer before the BCCI's General Body and get back to them. ICC officials have in fact told us that if we agree to $390 million, they will get it ratified at a Board Meeting in May," a senior BCCI office-bearer told PTI on Thursday.

But, the officials present in Dubai feel that the board should get at least $450 million from ICC and there should be no change in governance structure. 

"In fact, Amitabh told the members that if you can climb up to $450 million, I can take the offer back to my Board and convince them. But Shashank Manohar was in no mood to budge," the office-bearer added.

With the BCCI’s interest taking a setback, chances are that the board may decide to pull out from the upcoming Champions Trophy in England in June. The decision, though, will be taken in the upcoming Special General Meeting where the 30 full members will take a call.

"At this point pull-out is an option. The middle path is if they are ready to go up to $450 million since they were initially ready to pay $390. Also, no change in governance structure," the office bearer remarked. "Will Star Sports give them the same deal that they would give if Virat Kohli vs Mohammed Amir or Mitchell Starc vs MS Dhoni contest doesn't take place?"

However, The Telegraph has reported that captain Virat Kohli and head coach Anil Kumble's views will also be taken into account before taking such a drastic step. 

"Fact is that the players are the biggest stakeholders and the captain and head coach are their representatives. Once we acknowledge that the players are the No.1 stakeholders, we surely have to ascertain their views.

"Besides, having won the 2013 Champions Trophy, India are the defending champions," an unnamed source told The Telegraph.