This crisis always had one solution: face to face, not phone to phone

The solution reached is as follows:

• The Indian team player shall not endorse the products of any competitor of the ICC Champions Trophy during the tournament or 16 days thereafter. The original clause required 30 days before and 30 days after

• The clause regarding the use of players’ images has also been accommodated as all Indian sponsors have given in writing that they will not use the images of Indian players for the Champions Trophy.

Why, then, does the shadow boxing continue? The BCCI is concerned that at a later date some claims could be made against it on account of the concessions made to Indian players. It has sought an assurance from the ICC that not only will the international body make no such claims against the BCCI but shall also indemnify the BCCI against any such claims in the future.

Although the ICC has officially stated that it shall not seek any compensation from the BCCI, it is unwilling to give the BCCI such a blanket indemnity.

The simplest way to resolve this would have been to sit across the table and sort it out. All parties seem to be in agreement but they are in complete disagreement about the good intentions of each other. This mistrust has been further fuelled by a spate of planted stories and a motivated agenda.

The ICC has reached an agreement with the Indian players and hence the BCCI cannot be held responsible or accountable for these concessions. The ICC has further clarified that it will not seek any compensation from the BCCI. Having gone so far the ICC can also clarify that it will protect the BCCI against any claims from either its sponsors or the promoters, GCC.

Frankly speaking, the BCCI cannot be held liable for any compensation or damages from any of the ICC associates. The ICC also knows that this is an issue they have to resolve with their sponsors and promoters. Both know there is no real issue but the problem is that both eye each other with suspicion and are constantly looking out for that dagger inside the other’s cloak.

Since the agreement for these contentious clauses has been reached between the ICC and Indian players the responsibility of deliverance will have to rest with the ICC. If either GCC or any of the sponsors seek any compensation/rebate on their fees for the Champions Trophy then the same would have to be borne by all members/participants in the proportion that they stand to earn.

Everybody must realise and admit that most of the sponsorship revenue is coming out of India and the reason for that is the universal passion for the game and the idolisation of India’s cricket stars. The original contract had infringed some of the individual rights of the Indian players and they deserve some relief. Both the ICC and the players have come down half way to meet and this needs to be appreciated. Some give and take is always necessary.

In this entire controversy some concerns of the BCCI have also come to fore and those need to be addressed in the same spirit. It is unlikely that the Champions Trophy would really dip.

Even if there was marginal dip because of the concessions made to Indian boys then how does it mater. These players are the reason why the revenues are there in the first place. Any shortfalls, if any, would have to be shared by all members.

All it requires is a brief meeting between the BCCI, the ICC and the players. And this opportunity is only available till Tuesday morning.