IPL won't come in way of FTP, promises BCCI

The BCCI has given an "unconditional commitment" to the International Cricket Council that the Indian Premier League matches would not interfere with the Future Tours Programme.The Indian Cricket Board confirmed at a two-day ICC Chief Executives' Committee in Kuala Lumpur today that international commitments would always take priority over IPL."A long discussion of several issues relating to the IPL took place. The members were pleased to receive very clear and unconditional commitment from the BCCI that international matches would be give absolute priority over IPL commitments," ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said in a statement issued on Wednesday.There was speculation about creating a window within the FTP for the IPL matches. The FTP is in place until 2012 and there was no suggestion by the BCCI that such a window should be considered or created prior to that."There has been plenty of speculation about the impact that IPL will have on the world game. The other ICC members are supportive of the BCCI and will carefully evaluate the first year of the IPL and its wider impact on the game in other parts of the world," Speed added.The ICC will consult with the BCCI to ensure that anti-corruption and anti-doping processes are put in place for the IPL and that a code of ethics be established for the owners of the teams. Concern was also expressed by some boards about unofficial cricket events such as the Indian Cricket League.At the CEC meeting, members confirmed they did not recognise ICL and would not grant permission for their players to take part in it.The CEC comprises the chief executives or their equivalent of the 10 ICC full members and three representatives from ICC associate members. It is chaired by the ICC Chief Executive.Among other important agenda at the CEC were suggestions about a 14-team format for the 2011 World Cup, zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate public comment and abusive behaviour, and trial for greater use of technology by umpires.Recommendations to this effect would be made to the ICC Board at its next meeting in March, the statement said.The proposed new format for the 2011 World Cup to be held in the sub-continent involves two groups of seven teams with the top four from each group progressing to a knock-out phase that includes quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. The new format, if approved by the ICC Board, would last 38 days, significantly shorter than the previous World Cup in 2007.Recent cases of inappropriate public comment by players, team and Board officials were discussed at the meeting."I welcome the members' commitment to the enforcement of the Code," said Speed. "I will be writing to umpires and referees, as well as member country CEOs, next week to inform them officially of this decision."