The International Cricket Council announced today that the Board for Control of Cricket in India had accepted the agreement reached by the ICC and the Indian players paving the way for the best Indian players to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy starting on 12 September.

The ICC's announcement comes after a telephone hook-up of all countries taking part in the tournament resolved the financial issues surrounding the tournament to the satisfaction of all members.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, welcomed the decision of the BCCI to accept the agreement reached between the ICC and the Indian players.

"The agreement reached between the Indian players and ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, is a pragmatic resolution to a difficult issue. It provides a workable solution and it is pleasing that the BCCI has accepted the proposal today in order to ensure that its best team is available," said Mr Gray.

"The ICC has worked with its sponsors, Pepsi, LG Electronics, Hero Honda and South African Airways, and the Indian players to find a resolution that is in the best interest of the game and the BCCI has now been able to put other issues aside to do the same".

In endorsing the agreement today, all countries, including the BCCI, have also agreed to the financial arrangements that support this agreement.

"By resolving the financial arrangements the ICC has been able to remove the final hurdle blocking the BCCI's agreement to the deal," said Mr Gray.

"I am pleased that this action will see the best players in India playing on Saturday against Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka.

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
International Cricket Council
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