Mumbai: The Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) was on Sunday granted Rs 2 crore to kick-start its operations by the BCCI.
The ICA, India’s first-ever players’ association formed as per the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha panel, has been desperately seeking funds ever since its office bearers were elected in October last year.
The players’ body had prepared a tentative budget of Rs 15-20 crore and was seeking an initial grant of Rs 5 crore but got Rs 2 crore which can help in getting an office space in Mumbai.
“There are some tax issues that need to be worked out and that is why ICA has been given Rs 2 crore. If they want more in the near future, we will sanction more,” a BCCI official told a leading news agency.
The decision was taken at the BCCI’s apex council meeting here on Sunday. The ICA has received an initial grant but will have to raise money on its own in the long run.
Earlier in July, 2019, the BCCI approved and recognised the Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA), the official players' body for former cricketers.
The ICA currently though is not affiliated to Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) and will be restricted to only former players - both men and women - unlike player associations in other major international countries, which include current players too.
According to BCCI, the ICA, which was registered and incorporated as a non-profit company on July 5 is "aimed" at "conserving and advancing the welfare" of former players.
Currently the ICA has three initial directors: former India captain Kapil Dev, former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar and former India women's captain Shanta Rangaswamy. It is understood these three will hold the position until the ICA conducts its executive elections, expected to take place before the BCCI elections, which are scheduled for October 22.
