BCCI to introduce 'token system' for IPL players

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has sent a circular to the state associations that all domestic cricketers intending to play in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League will have to come through their respective state association.

In all likelihood, the BCCI will introduce a 'token system' for the domestic players.

The clause will be applicable for those first-class cricketers who won't be up for auctions for the next edition.

A senior office bearer of a state association said he has received a circular in this regard.

"We have received a circular a few days back that players who are registered with a particular state association need to inform about their availability through their respective parent bodies," the official informed.

"In fact the letter states that there will be a particular format for application which needs to be followed. The application needs an attestation from the state body after which a token with a registration number will be issued. Only then can a franchise start dealing with any particular cricketer," the official added.

Incidentally, the BCCI has had the same approach for the overseas players also where their availability needs to be routed through their country's cricket board.

The officials of state bodies feel that this system may just reduce the growing influence that agents have on players if not totally diminish it.

It has also been learnt that the IPL governing council will ask the six old franchises to submit the names of the players whom they would like to retain by December 6.

"Although the names will be announced later, the governing council has asked the franchises to submit the names confidentially. Also the new franchises have been given a deadline of November 15 to zero in on any overseas player from the new set of players," a senior board official informed.

In another development, the governing council may reduce the period of time for announcing the result if there is fresh bidding for a new team in case the Kochi IPL team is no longer there.

"Since, we have already lost out on considerable amount of time, the period between submission of tender and announcement of the successful bid, which is 45 days, may be reduced to 15 to 20 days," informed the official.