Committee of Administrators asks India to submit Champions Trophy squad 'immediately'

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) have asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to immediately submit their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy that commences on 1 June in England.

Reigning champions India's relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been strained ever since the latter's move to demolish the current "Big Three" model.

The BCCI, which previously received a majority of the revenue share along with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, are now set to see a cut from $570m (£444m) to a projected $290m (£226m) in order for the smaller nations to get a greater share.

As a result, the BCCI are yet to name India's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is seen as non-cooperation as the deadline was 25 April. All the other seven teams have already submitting their teams.

India's cricket body previously rejected a $100m (£78m) compensatory offer from ICC president Shashank Manohar but the offer is still on the table following the approval of the new revenue model, which if accepted, would increase their earnings to a total of $390m (£301.5m).

The BCCI will now hold a Special General Meeting on 7 May to determine India's participation in the event. The CoA have also sent an email to BCCI treasurer, Anirudh Chowdhary, asking them to immediately submit their squad for the Champions Trophy.

"It would be appropriate to make all necessary preparations for ensuring that Team India can successfully defend its title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 which commences on 1st June 2017," CoA's email said, as quoted on CricBuzz. "You are aware that the squad representing India at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 was to be submitted by 25th April 2017, but the squad has not even been selected as yet."

"Please convene a meeting of the selection committee for selecting the squad immediately. The squad can then be submitted to the ICC without prejudice to BCCI's legal rights."

The email also acknowledged India's status as one of the top teams in all formats of the sport and stated that their participation could automatically lead to higher revenues.

"We believe that any decision taken at the SGM should be predicated on the fact that India has the best team in the world today," the email added. "Team India should be provided with a supportive environment to showcase Indian cricket instead of being surrounded with uncertainty and confusion. There has been more than enough negativity surrounding Team India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy and the sooner the same is put to rest the better."

"The players' interests are paramount and they must be given the best chance to prepare for, defend and retain the ICC Champions Trophy. The focus should be on enabling our team to achieve even greater heights and further laurels, which will automatically attract higher revenues."