The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) in a press statement has asked the junior players and state associations not to participate in unapproved leagues like Indian Junior Premier League (JPL). The apex body and the Indian Premier League have confirmed that they are not related to tournaments like JPL.
Indian Junior Premier League which took place last month in Dubai came into news after Indian left-handed batsman Gautam Gambhir was roped in as the brand ambassador of the league along with Rishi Dhawan who has represented India in the shortest format and Paras Dogra who featured in various IPL teams. However, they withdrew their support after BCCI issued a warning and had nothing to do with the league.
BCCI in a press statement said, “It has come to our attention that certain T20 cricket matches, series, tournaments and/or camps are being conducted by leagues under the names of Indian Junior Players League (IJPL) and Junior India Player League/Junior Indian League (JIPL).”
“This is to bring to your notice that any matches, camps tournament and/or series organized by IJPL and JIPL (collectively the “Leagues”) or any activity undertaken by the said Leagues are not being conducted by the BCCI/Indian Premier League (“IPL”) and are in no way associated with any activities undertaken or approved by the BCCI/IPL or their representatives,” the statement further added.
BCCI also clarified that the players who were once associated with the tournament have withdrawn their support. “Do note that the players who had been associated with any one of the Leagues in the past i.e. Gautam Gambhir, Paras Dogra and Rishi Dhawan have stated in writing that they have withdrawn all support and are no longer associated with the said unapproved Leagues,” the statement further said.
BCCI also clarified that any players registered with the BCCI taking part, representing or associating with leagues such as IJPL and JIPL are violating the BCCI rules and will face strict actions.