Newspaper reports BCCI to start its own league

The Indian board (BCCI) is reportedly planning to start its own league to rival the Indian Cricket League. The BCCI is, however, yet to confirm it.

The Economic Times, a financial daily, reported that Sunil Gavaskar, on the BCCI's panel to select the next India coach, will head what may be called the Professional Cricket League. But, Lalit Modi, the board vice-president, told the paper: "I cannot comment on the matter. Work is in progress, and when things firm up, we will make an official announcement."

When contacted by Cricinfo, a top functionary of the board, said: "So far nothing like this has been discussed in any meeting. It was not in the agenda of the recent Special General Meeting and the Working Committee meeting. As of now there has been no thinking along these lines and at this stage all the names spoken of [in the media] are speculative. If anything has to be done, it can only be decided by the board's Working Committee and not by any individual."

The Economic Times, meanwhile, explained the format of the proposed league where each state association will set up a team consisting of domestic, national and international players. The teams will have sponsors, who will be signed on for five years and will help in financing the league. Then the whole package will be put up for bidding to bag telecast rights.

The plan for this league, according to the paper, is expected to be ready in three months.