Olympic Council angry as India snubs Asian Games cricket
The Olympic Council of Asia has reacted angrily to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision not to send a team to this year's Asian Games in China. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Secretary General Randhir Singh said it is a "setback" for the future of cricket in the region.
The Twenty20 format was included in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou for the first time by the OCA on the premise that the four Asian Test nations (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) would send their best teams.
Earlier this week, the BCCI said will not send a team to the Games due to international commitments. India is scheduled to host New Zealand for a Test and one-day series in November.
Singh stated that "it is very disappointing," adding "India's participation would have been good for cricket in Asia. It is the first time cricket has been included.
"The Asian Cricket Council lobbied very hard to include cricket in schedule and when China agreed to do so, India has pulled out. It is a setback for cricket in India and Asia.
"I was informed (of India's decision to withdraw) only through press. We were not informed about their decision. If BCCI had to take this step, then they should have informed us earlier."
There are also doubts whether Pakistan will take part as the team is due to host South Africa during the period of the Asian Games. Sri Lanka is also scheduled to play a Test series against West Indies in November.
30th September 2008 - IPL FIRST YEAR FIGURES ANNOUNCED
