Cricket Australia and BCCI play blame game after star trio snubbed
Cricket Australia officials have apologised to star trio Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy over a “communication breakdown” which cost them a spot at next week’s exhibition series in India.
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Cricket Australia officials have apologised to star trio Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy over a “communication breakdown” which cost them a spot at next week’s exhibition series in India amid increased tension between the two countries.
Despite giving verbal assurances as long ago as April 4 that they would be available for the three matches, the Aussie stars were snubbed when the teams were released.
The players were fully expecting to play and one had even prematurely ended leave and begun training for the matches.
But prolonged discussions between CA chief executive Kevin Roberts and the Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI) over the scheduling of an ill-timed one-day series between in India next January played a part in the omission of the players from the tournament.
Indian officials released an email from CA interim high performance manager Belinda Clark which they believed said the player’s availability would be determined by talks around the ODI series.
“We will be in a position to consider the request when the current issue regarding the men’s ODI series that was agreed in the FTP for late January 2020 is resolved by Rahul (BCCI CEO Rahul Johri) and Kevin (Roberts),” Clark wrote to the Indian tournament organisers earlier this month.
That email was labelled “blackmailing tactics” by an unnamed Indian official, a claim strenuously denied by CA, adamant it was one of several between the two administrations and indicative only of the priority order for talks.
Another email was a request for assistance in getting the nominated players visas and CA was as surprised as the players when they were overlooked.
Clark has since spoken to all three, who were frustrated at the lack of communication, and explained CA’s position.
“We have always been supportive of the WIPL and had every intention of participating. We are also very keen to ensure a strong working relationship with the BCCI,” CA’s Karina Keisler told the Herald Sun.
“While we are in regular contact with the BCCI, there has clearly been a communication breakdown on this occasion and the women have been impacted as a result.
“We’re sorry this has happened and are determined to ensure our relationship with India remains open and collaborative to avoid future such incidents.”
It’s understood Roberts is ready and willing to fly to India for “face-to-face” discussions with his BCCI counterparts should they be required, but nothing is locked in.
Originally published as Cricket Australia and BCCI play blame game after star trio snubbed
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