Clouds over India-Australia ODIs in Ireland

Sydney, Apr 11 (UNI) Recent skirmishes between the two most influential cricketing bodies in the world -- the BCCI and Cricket Australia has put question marks over the proposed India-Australia ODI series to be held in Ireland in June.

According to reports, negotiations between Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia for what is being seen here as a lucrative money-spinner, have stalled.

''We have been discussing with the BCCI about New York, about Toronto and most recently the discussion has been Ireland,'' Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said today.

''We are waiting for them to give a written reply as to where we stand. We certainly have not had confirmation from them,'' Young told Herald Sun.

Some media commentators are blaming the recent skirmishes between the two powerful Boards.

But the Australian cricket officials are in denial mode over this tricky issue.

''I don't think the way we liaise with the Indian board has changed in the time I have been here,'' CA spokesman further added.

The bone of contention seems to be the differences over revenue sharing between the two organisations that are creating hurdles for the Ireland event.

Indians, according to the article, are asking for lion's share.

If the tournament goes ahead, the BCCI will reportedly get A$ 8 million for off-shore television rights for each of the games.

Both the cricket Boards are not willing to give much away although the BCCI seems to be in a stronger pitch as India is unequivocally considered the most powerful cricket nation in the world and generates the maximum revenues for the games.

But Australia is reported to be bargaining for more as they too have over-flowing coffers and can do without the Ireland tournament besides their players would be exhausted after what is turning out to be a very successful World Cup campaign.

Australians have a hectic schedule this year which includes seven one-day matches in India in October and also a home Test series against India and Sri Lanka later in the year.

UNI