Virat Kohli’s omission: Broadcaster can’t interfere in team selections, says BCCI

The omission of regular captain Virat Kohli from the Indian team, currently taking part in the Asia Cup in United Arab Emirates has taken the broadcasters by storm. Following the broadcaster Star’s disappointment on the matter, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing its concern.

BCCI, on the other hand, has not been shy in replying the ACC in a strongly-worded letter that neither ACC nor broadcaster Star has the right to intervene in the national team’s selection process, according to news agency PTI.

Kohli, the most sought-after cricketer these days, was rested by the BCCI selectors for the Asia Cup following a gruelling 84-day tour to England. Rohit Sharma, the vice-captain, is leading the side in Kohli’s absence.

Apparently, in an email to Thusith Perera, ACC Game Development Manager, the broadcaster didn’t hide its disappointment and stated that the regular India captain’s absence will affect the financial aspect of the tourney.

“In our view, the announcement of the absence of one of the world’s best batsmen from the Asia Cup, only 15 days before the commencement of the Asia Cup, is a severe dent to us (event broadcaster) and will severely impact our ability to monetise and generate revenue for the tournament,” the email stated as reported by news agency PTI.

Broadcaster Star has urged the ACC to discuss the matter with the Indian board as it reminded that MRA (Media Rights Agreement) required the ACC to field the best national sides for the tournament. BCCI though made it clear that it was completely a prerogative of the selection committee of the BCCI and that none had the right to interfere in these matters.

“Please note that selection of the best available team for participation in a tournament is the sole prerogative of BCCI,” BCCI CEO Rahul Johri replied to Perera as stated by the news agency. “It is not open for ACC or its broadcaster to insist on the selection of any particular player and/or to question the expertise of any selection committee as to which is the best available team for the particular tournament,” Johri wrote further.

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