Players reject BCCI offer

The Indian cricketers have reportedly decided not to sign the contract that would make them eligible to play in the mini World Cup in Sri Lanka, starting on September 12.

"The information I have got is that the players have not agreed to the board's offer. I have not seen the letter," said Ranga Reddy, the manager of the Indian team currently touring England.

The refusal of the players to sign the 30-day bar clause for the Champions Trophy has forced the BCCI to postpone the selection committee meeting, initially scheduled at 2 pm IST, at Kolkata, by a few hours.

When contacted, BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya refused to comment on the issue but said, "We are postponing the selection committee meeting by a few hours as the International Cricket Council has asked for some more time."

Dalmiya said the national selectors would meet only after six in the evening. The meeting was originally scheduled for 2 pm.

The BCCI, following its Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, had asked the players to sign the 30-day clause while rejecting the 17-day period agreed during discussions between the ICC and the players.

Complete Coverage: The ICC Contract Row

Mail Cricket Editor