Mumbai: The new head of BCCI’s administrative panel Vinod Rai has squashed all the rumours surrounding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy confirming that the Men in Blue will mount a defence of their title.
“I can’t comment on rumours. Why should the BCCI pull out of the Champions Trophy? Why? Doesn’t the Indian public want us to participate in the tournament?” Rai told the Bangalore Mirror.
“Everybody says we can withdraw from the Champions Trophy. Is it feasible? Will there not be a huge backlash? Gone are the days when we could threaten and get away,” he added.
Rai said he will request the ICC to give the BCCI a period of three months before modifying the current revenue model and he is confident that the international cricket body will co-operate.
Despite the BCCI being the largest revenue holder in the ICC, Rai said that they are ready to sacrifice some short-term plans for long-term benefits. He also said that the BCCI had already agreed to the revised revision model when it was put up in 2014 and then in 2016.
India cantered to the Champions Trophy title in 2013 without losing a single game. Even in the final, which was reduced to a 20-over affair, the Indian bowlers put in a splendid performance while defending a total of 129.
