Working Committee has discussed Sahara issues: BCCI Prez

CHENNAI: Following is the text of the BCCI President N Srinivasan’s statement about the present status of its ‘dispute’ with Sahara at a press conference after the working committee meeting: Sahara contract and the issues raised by sahara. As you were aware we had a meeting with the chairman of sahara yesterday by members of the BCCI including myself. His views had to be decided by the working committee today. We have communicated the response of the working committee to the matters raised by Sahara and we hope that their response will be favourable. What did the BCCI agree on their demands in the February 12 meeting in Mumbai? Actually without going in to the specifi cs I believe it is matter which will be discussed in private between Sahara and BCCI and it is not a matter that the contractual are not issues which can be discussed in public glare. As much as you have asked the question, I think, I would say that some of the issues with one of it falling with regard to the number of matches that was played last year, there are issues surrounding the quantum of the Bank Guarantee given by Sahara to the BCCI and of course, what they have already mentioned in public about the composition of their team in the context of non availability of some players and whether the issue should be addressed. BCCI has responded positively within its frame work of rules and the BCCI has also said that it is not possible to create an exception because observance of the regulations strictly is important to the integrity of the league. Question: What is the status of the team India sponsorship and what is the position now? NS: The position is what it was. As I said we had responded to what Sahara has raised as issues. Then, it is up to them and shall wait to see what their reaction is.