The BCCI presented the breakdown of the non-cricketing expenses totalling INR 22 crore at its first physical Apex Council meeting following the pandemic on Thursday.
The meeting was presided over by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and attended by other officials as well, including secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Dhumal, and joint secretary Jayesh George.
The board reported spending more than INR 18 crore on the Tokyo Olympics, of which INR 68 lakh went to an event management business, INR 4 crore went to pay medallists in cash, and INR 5 crore went to buy souvenirs for athletes from PM Cares.
The board also stated the INR 3.8 crore set up for sponsoring oxygen concentrators during the pandemic’s peak crisis hours.
The board stated, “The summer Olympics is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from July 23 to August 8, 2021. The BCCI has decided to support Indian athletes in every form and manner it can.”
“In that spirit, based on the request received from the IOA/ MYAS (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports), the Apex Council of BCCI has decided to extend support to the Indian Olympic Association and has pledged a monetary gesture of Rs 10 crore.”
The BCCI expressed desire to support Indian athletes
The Indian contingent’s motivational anthem, “Lakshya tere saamne hai, jeet ke aana (The target is in front of you, return as a winner),” was written and performed by singer Mohit Chauhan. The BCCI listed INR 70 lakh for Chauhan in the breakdown of expenses. Other costs included INR 98 lakh for Olympics campaign T-shirts.
The prize money for domestic competitions would be increased, it was also decided during the Apex Council meeting. The prestigious Ranji Trophy, India’s top domestic tournament, pays winners INR 2 crore, however it will be changed if an enhanced budget is approved by the board by the office holders. The enormous INR 48,390 crore sale of IPL broadcast rights in June has led to a rise in prize money for local events.
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