BCCI approves Indian Cricketers’ Association for former players
The BCCI has approved the formation of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA), which was incorporated on July 5 as the official association for ex-cricketers in India. The body formed as per the board’s new constitution will look after the interests of former men and women cricketers.
The ICA was formed earlier this month under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) formally officially recognized the development via a notice on its official website. The notice stated that ICA - a non-profit company aimed at conserving and advancing the welfare of former players - is in the process of incorporation.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hereby formally recognises the Indian Cricketers' Association (the ICA), a non-profit company limited by guarantee incorporated on July 5, 2019 under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, as the official association for ex-cricketers in India," read the official BCCI notice, reported TOI.
With this development, the BCCI joins other boards from around the world like the ECB and CA, to have an official players association. However, the ICA is presently only open to former men and women cricketers and it is not affiliated to Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), unlike the players' associations in most countries.
"It is clarified that, until further notice of the BCCI, no entity other than the ICA will be accorded recognition by the BCCI as an association of ex-cricketers," the notice added.
Although the BCCI will provide the ICA with initial funds, its further functioning will be independent of the BCCI, which also means it will have to generate its own funds. Until elections are held, former Indian cricketers Kapil Dev, Ajit Agarkar and Shantha Rangaswamy will hold their positions as directors of the association.