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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
We don't understand why ICC can't help us: Former Oman cricketer Prajapati
Kashyap Prajapati once stood on cricket's biggest stages, representing Oman in the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside some of the sport's biggest names. Just a year later, he finds himself far from the spotlight, living in the United States and uncertain about his cricketing future. His career came to an abrupt halt—not due to poor performance or injury, but because of unresolved financial disputes. The promised share of the ICC prize money from the World Cup never reached him or most of his teammates. After raising their concerns, Prajapati and several senior players were unexpectedly removed from the national team. Frustrated and disillusioned, they question why the ICC, which distributed the funds to Oman Cricket, has not intervened to ensure the players receive what they are owed. From World Cup Glory to Uncertain Exile For Prajapati, playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a peak moment after years of dedication. Yet, that triumph was overshadowed by a harsh reality—the players never received their portion of the $225,000 prize money awarded to Oman. It was only through news reports about the record prize fund that they realised something was amiss. Now based in the US, Prajapati feels abandoned, puzzled by the ICC's apparent inaction despite the money being sent to Oman Cricket. Silence and Broken Promises The issue first surfaced months after the tournament. During a tri-series in Canada, Oman players learnt from their counterparts in Nepal and Canada that those teams had at least partially received their prize money. Motivated by this, the Oman squad raised the matter with their officials but were met with vague reassurances and delays. Despite promises that the issue was being addressed, no resolution came. Standing Up Led to Exclusion Before the Emerging Teams Asia Cup in October, senior Oman players united to demand answers. Prajapati recalls that when some players declined to participate without clarity on the money, they were swiftly dropped from the squad. Several senior team members were even asked to vacate their accommodations, abruptly ending their international careers. Loss Beyond Cricket In Oman, losing a cricket contract means losing employment and residency rights. Fast bowler Fayyaz Butt described the situation as devastating personally and professionally, now searching for opportunities outside cricket. Prajapati shared how standing up for their rights cost many players their jobs, visas, and places in the national team. No Voice for Players A major hurdle is Oman's lack of a players' association. It was only after connecting with the World Cricketers' Association during the Canada tri-series that the players understood their rights and found a support network. The WCA highlights that unpaid prize money is a common problem among Associate nations, but Oman's case is particularly severe. WCA CEO Tom Moffat expressed frustration over the ICC's limited enforcement power, noting that their proposal to withhold funds from boards failing to pay players hasn't been accepted. Left in the Dark While the ICC confirmed transferring funds to Oman Cricket, there has been no direct communication with the players. Prajapati described the silence as the most painful part, feeling 'forgotten' and trapped in a system with no safe space to voice concerns. As Oman's team rebuilds without its senior players, Prajapati and others are left wondering whether the people governing international cricket truly hear the struggles of those who bring the game to life.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
BCCI Secretary Saikia dismisses reports of pulling out of ACC events, calls them
By Vipul Kashyap New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed media reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to participate in this year's Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Recent reports claimed that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to withdraw from both events -- the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and the Men's Asia Cup, slated for September. Saikia categorically denied the reports, claiming that the BCCI hasn't engaged in such conversations or taken any steps regarding the ACC events. The BCCI secretary labelled the reports as 'speculative and imaginary.' 'Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men's and women's,' Saikia told ANI. 'The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level; hence, any news or report on it is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,' he added. India is the Asia Cup's defending champion and designated host. In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka was picked as the neutral venue for India's fixtures. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India denied travelling to Pakistan and played all its matches in Dubai. The ACC is headed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, succeeded Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). (ANI)
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
BCCI secretary denies reports of India pulling out of Asia Cup 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically denied reports suggesting India's withdrawal from the upcoming Men's Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The board dismissed the claims, labelling them as entirely baseless. Several media outlets had earlier reported that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to opt out of the two major continental tournaments. The Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, while India is set to host the Men's Asia Cup in September. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika clarified the situation, stating that no such withdrawal has even been discussed within the board. "Since this morning, we have seen news reports claiming BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. These reports are completely false. No such discussions have taken place within the BCCI, nor has any communication been made to the ACC," Saika told news agency PTI. Also Read The speculation arose in the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror incident, prompting concerns over the feasibility of hosting or participating in ACC events involving both nations. "The matter of the Asia Cup or any other ACC-related event has not been brought up in any official capacity. Any reports claiming otherwise are purely speculative and unfounded. Should any decision be taken in the future, it will be communicated through proper channels," the statement concluded.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
News about India pulling out of Asia Cup is speculative: BCCI secretary Saikia
The BCCI on Monday (May 19, 2025) termed as "speculative and imaginary" the report which claimed that it has decided to pull out of men's Asia Cup and women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. A media report, quoting sources, said that BCCI won't let Indian teams compete in the two Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events at a time when the cricket body is being headed by a Pakistani and just days back the two neighbouring nations were involved in a military conflict. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB Chairman, holds the position of President in the ACC. Defending champions India are the hosts for the Men's Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format, in September while Sri Lanka have been allotted the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. "Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to PTI. Mr. Saikia added that BCCI is focussed on ensuring the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming five-match Test series against England beginning next month. 'At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men and women. The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary.' "It may be said that the BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC event takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media," he added.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Has Asia Cup been cancelled before amid reports of India pull-out?
India beat Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition of the competition (Image via X/@ImRo45) NEW DELHI: Amid tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly communicated its decision to withhold the Indian squad from participating or hosting the Asia Cup. This means that the Men's squad will neither participate nor host the Asia Cup 2025, and the Women's team will play no part in the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. While India and Sri Lanka were to co-host the Men's competition, Sri Lanka alone is the venue for the Women's Cup. The BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup extends to the resolve of not participating in any Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events in the immediate future. The ACC chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is the interior minister for Pakistan and also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the same reports, BCCI's decision, therefore, is to isolate Pakistan from major tournaments amid the current situation between the two countries. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Has the Asian Cup ever been cancelled before? India's decision to not participate in the competition significantly impacts the feasibility of the upcoming tournament for a number of reasons. To begin with, a majority of sponsors for International cricket events are from India, and the country not participating in the same will dissuade sponsors as well. Shane Watson on Phil Hughes: 'It Took the Innocence of the Game Away Moreover, broadcast rights for the tournament purchased by Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) for over 451 crores will have to be reworked. Therefore, the tournament is most likely to be put on the waiting list as per several reports. Poll What do you think will be the impact of India's withdrawal on the Asia Cup? It will dissuade sponsors It will continue with fewer teams It will lead to cancellation So, has the competition ever been cancelled before? 1993 : Similar to the situation in 2025, the Asia Cup did not take place in 1993 when political relations were tense between the two countries. 2020 : In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was originally set to be hosted in Pakistan, owing to health risks and concerns.
