ECB faces problems from the BCCI

The ECB (English Cricket Board) is facing problems from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has given both Mushtaq Ahmed and Rana Naved permission to play for Sussex and Yorkshire by issuing No Objection Certificates, but the BCCI does not want this permission to be granted as they both signed for the ICL. The ICL is unoffical, whereas the IPL is run by the BCCI.

Naturally, the BCCI is trying to protect its own by trying to prevent players signing up with the ICL. However, although I am not a fan of either competitions, I do wonder that if Ahmed and Naved are not able to play for their counties, if it is another sign of the BCCI being the most influential cricket board, with their opinions being the most important in the world of cricket.

It is of course money that is persuading them to make the decision to protest to the ECB.

The ECB has in fact already banned some ICL players from playing for their counties, including Hamish Marshall and Wavell Hinds.

 If Sussex and Yorkshire play Ahmed and Naved, they may not be allowed to play in the Champions League in October. This could result in a loss of money for each club, and they will not want to miss out on the opportunity. However, Sussex will also not want to lose Ahmed who is vitally important to their success.

What is more important? The county competition or the Champions League? Time will tell, but I know which one I hope Sussex, Yorkshire and the ECB will choose.