| MUMBAI:
Putting an end to all speculations, MCC announced today that it has not bid for
either of the two new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. In
a statement MCC noted that “its best position lies in a broader relationship
with the IPL as a whole."
Earlier,
MCC CEO Keith Bradshaw had said that the club is interested in taking a stake
in one of the two upcoming IPL franchises. Bradshaw
had even travelled to India, with committee trustee Anthony Wreford, to talk with
potential consortium members. However,
MCC cleared today that post its committee meeting at Lord's, they won't be linking
up with IPL. "After
a healthy debate and a thorough investigation, MCC's Committee has decided to
uphold the recommendation of our working party not to proceed as an equity stakeholder
in a new IPL franchise," Bradshaw said. "Having said that, we will continue
to discuss other ideas with the IPL and, through their support of the MCC spirit
of cricket campaign, maintain a close working relationship with them.” MCC
president John Barclay and head of cricket John Stephenson are scheduled to attend
IPL3 opening ceremony in Mumbai on 12 March. Meanwhile,
the winning bids will be announced by IPL on 7 March. Adani Enterprises, Sahara
Group (in consortium with Amitabh Bachchan), ICICI Ventures and Sun TV are some
of the names doing the rounds, an industry observer said. | 
