BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, on Friday, asserted that the proposed Futures Tours and Programme (FTP) will give "meaningful context" to bilateral T20 Internationals.
As per new proposed FTP, India will play 53 T20 Internationals which includes 26 away matches as well, while 37 Tests with 19 at home and 18 away.
Speaking to PTI, Rahul Johri said, “We discussed with everybody and the feedback that we got was that one-off T20 means nothing. If there is a contest, there has to be context. And that is why having meaningful T20 International contests is an approach that we have taken.”
After Star India bought the IPL media rights for 16,347 crores, BCCI CEO is looking for such deals as India's lucrative home TV broadcast rights deal set to come up in March 2018.
The BCCI CEO further said, “We have put together a balanced FTP which gives enough meaningful content to any potential broadcaster. Just like we had seen the tremendous amount of interest in IPL media rights, we expect to see the same. The whole planning and everything that has taken place, we have done it keeping broadcast opportunities in mind. The BCCI has always been clear and committed to playing meaningful Test cricket and continue to do so. Almost half our matches are with England, South Africa, and Australia. We will play everyone though. The FTP we have chalked up has enough home and away cricket.”
Johri explained, “You have to appreciate the fact that cricket calenders in the northern and southern hemisphere are a bit different. While most countries in Southern Hemisphere play during the same time, it's a bit different for Northern Hemisphere. Now how do we navigate without impinging on someone's calendar and still get best value is the question. With ECB, the discussions are in progress. The goodwill and good faith between the boards will be paramount when we take a final decision.”
He also refused to comment on the revised pay packages for the national players, saying, “Our focus as the management, the professionals who are working over here in BCCI, is to deliver the maximum value to our stakeholders. How this is done is the domain of the Committee of Administrators (COA) and board members. We are focussed on delivering best value. It was a freewheeling discussion with the players.”
Johri also said that he shares a cordial professional relationship with everyone during his 18-month tenure on the BCCI's hot seat. He concluded, “Last 18 months have been very interesting. Of course, there have been challenges. I have a very good working relationship with everybody.”
