BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele said the deal was in the final stages, but refused to specify the exact amount involved. Lele apologised for the Mithun Manhas episode which embarassed the BCCI and insulted the media.

The BCCI has decided to set up a National cricket academy at Bangalore besides five zonal academies to nurture talent. The possiblities to start the academy in conjunction with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is to be explored.

A working group has been formed comprising Raj Singh Dungarpur (chairman) Sunil Gavaskar and Brijesh Patel as members.

The BCCI has decided to send a number of physical trainers-cum-physiotherapists abroad to gain expertise so that they are able to contribute to the modern demands of the game in the years to come.

Dr MK Bhargava has been appinted themanagerof the Indian team to tour Australia from November to February next year.

Samiran Chakraborty will be the manager of the Indian team for the Sharjah tournament in March 2000 as well as the Asia Cup in Dhaka in April next year.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed chairman of ground and pitch committee.