ICC advice member nations to put a check on costs of bilateral cricket series

This matter came into discussion during the ICC board meeting that ended in Singapore. It has been observed that during a bilateral series (Tests/ODIs/T20Is) whenever any country visits a different country, the visitors travel with a jumbo contingent and all their expenses are borne by the host association

The decreasing audience in the bilateral Cricket series across the globe has become a cause of concern for the International Cricket Council (ICC). To deal with this problem, the ICC advised its members to reduce their expenditure and be prudent with their budgets for long term sustenance.

This matter came into discussion during the ICC board meeting that ended in Singapore. It has been observed that during a bilateral series (Tests/ODIs/T20Is) whenever any country visits a different country, the visitors travel with a jumbo contingent and according to the agreement, all their expenses are borne by the host association.

This leads to a lot of issues like rising prices of tickets and they impact the series.

"It was agreed that in light of rising costs of cricket globally, members would make significant efforts to making international bilateral cricket more affordable with a view to long-term sustainability," the ICC stated in a release.

A senior BCCI official explained the scenario.

"Suppose the Australian team is touring India and let's say they pay $ 250 daily allowance per person. If there is a MoU, then BCCI will have to pay that amount. If the amount agreed is $ 200, then balance is paid by CA," the official explained.

The ICC Board also said that FTP agreement should ensure that modules of tour itinerary should be inked at the earliest.

"Considerable progress was made towards the introduction of a new FTP agreement between Members with a clear commitment to early confirmation of tour itineraries and match venues," the ICC said.