October 30 Wednesday 2002
Indian cricketers form players association

KOLKATA, India: Indian cricketers have launched an association to safeguard their interests, a players representative said here on Tuesday.

"The objective is to represent all players and put forward their points of view," said Indian Cricket Players Association (ICPA) Secretary Arun Lal. Lal said the aim was not to have a confrontation with the authorities but to co-operate with them.

"We want to assist the Indian Cricket Board in whatever way possible. We complement each other and will have a two-way dialogue," said Lal, a former Test opener. The need to have an association arose after a stand-off between Indian players and the board over a sponsorship issue before the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka last month.

"I think the Indian Board is looking at it with an open mind and their response has been positive," said Lal. "Cricketers all over the world feel the need for an association and there is wide acceptance to such associations."

Lal said the body would aim to help all past and present cricketers and that all first-class players were eligible to become members. "We are planning to have pension and insurance schemes for cricketers as well as schemes for widows of cricketers. I think we can do a lot of good work."

Lal said former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi will be the first president of the association. The other founding members are Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri. Shastri felt an association was badly needed.

"The recent controversy was because of lack of communication between players and the Board. We want to resolve all issues including the sponsorship agreement for the World Cup," said the former India all-rounder.