Gray welcomes BCCI decision

The International Cricket Council announced on Monday that the Board for Control of Cricket in India has accepted the agreement it reached with the Indian players, paving the way for the best Indian players to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy, starting on September 12.

The ICC's announcement came following a telephone hook-up of all countries taking part in the tournament resolved the financial issues surrounding the tournament to the satisfaction of all members.

In a statement, ICC president Malcolm Gray welcomed the BCCI's decision to accept the agreement reached between the ICC and the Indian players.

“The agreement reached between the Indian players and ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed is a pragmatic resolution to a difficult issue. It provides a workable solution and it is pleasing that the BCCI has accepted the proposal today in order to ensure that its best team is available.

"The ICC has worked with its sponsors, Pepsi, LG Electronics, Hero Honda and South African Airways, and the Indian players to find a resolution that is in the best interest of the game and the BCCI has now been able to put other issues aside to do the same," Gray said.

He added: “By resolving the financial arrangements the ICC has been able to remove the final hurdle blocking the BCCI’s agreement to the deal.

“I am pleased that this action will see the best players in India playing on Saturday against Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka.

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