IPL owners to send joint letter to BCCI questioning prize money cut

New Delhi, March 6:  The Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to cut the playoff prize money of the Indian Premier League by 50 per cent has not gone down well with the eight franchises. After discussions over the last two days, the franchises have decided to raise the issue with the BCCI through a letter -- signed by all the owners -- that will be sent to President Sourav Ganguly in the next 24 hours.

Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that all the franchises are together in this and discussions were held for close to 48 hours before it was decided that a joint letter must be sent informing the BCCI that the move hasn't gone down well with them.

"While Delhi Capitals did start discussions, it is a decision that was reached upon after all the eight franchises agreed to it. The letter that is set to be sent to the board president will have the signature of the owners of all the eight teams. The major concern is cutting down on the prize money by 50 per cent.

"Moreover, we were not even kept in the loop. It has come to a scenario where we get to know of things from the media. Even in case of the All-Stars Game that was being planned, we were the last to come to know of it. This is not how it works," the source said.

Asked if the letter had already been sent, the source said: "It is ready and should reach the president in the next 24 hours maximum. After the six franchises agreed to it, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings were brought into the picture and they agreed to it. Discussions were held mostly over calls and messages as it was impossible to get all the owners together in such a short span of time."

While the BCCI has cited the economic slowdown for the cut in prize money, franchise officials feel that their concern will be looked into and the decision will be reconsidered. "We are confident that the BCCI will also take our concerns into consideration and relook the whole step taken. We have always looked to work keeping in mind what is best for Indian cricket and we also expect their support," an official of one of the franchises said.

As per the mail that had been sent to the eight franchises by the BCCI, the winner of the 2020 edition of the IPL will get Rs 10 crore, the runner-up team will get Rs 6.25 crore, and the third and the fourth placed teams will be handed Rs 4.375 crore each. In 2019, the winner was handed Rs 20 crore, the runner-up got Rs 12.5 crore while the third and fourth team was handed Rs 8.75 crore each.