While the International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to debate over the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the man who was earlier reported to be in race for the post, and was then appointed ICC’s principal advisor, remains unperturbed.

The general perception is that IS Bindra’s new role technically provides him with sweeping powers in the ICC. As principal advisor designate, he refuses to buy that theory, but already has a few issues — both around the game and its administration — that he insists will remain among his priorities once he assumes the role. Among these are plans to include the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the Future Tours Program (FTP) window.

Bindra begins by saying that “the ICC has done a commendable job by accepting the IPL in its fold,” and soon adds: “In the future, we will definitely try to see if something can be done (about fitting IPL into the FTP) because it will only be good for the game.”

He believes that including IPL in the FTP will only ensure the tournament fits well in the calendar and functions smoothly. This, however, he says, will have to be a decision taken by all member boards. The ICC had met last month when it discussed the IPL and put in place guidelines that the new league will have to respect.

So, hasn’t the ICC already refused to accept IPL in the FTP? Hasn’t the IPL been accused of arm-twisting the ICC into fitting the tournament in the FTP? “Not at all,” says Bindra. “This is media speculation. The ICC will watch the IPL, in which international stars from most member nations will play, and will take a decision based on that. The IPL is definitely good for the game,” he says.

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