OCA bans cricketers from playing unapproved events

Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) has banned its registered players and officials from participating in un-recognised tournaments and matches in the state. The decision in this regard was taken in the first council meeting of the newly elected state body at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack earlier two days ago. "The purpose of the decision is to regulate domestic competitions in the state," OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said today. "OCA will not mind giving recognisiton to matches and tournaments being conducted by private organisations. But the organisers have to take prior permission from OCA or its affiliated units for the purpose,`` he explained. In another decision, OCA decided to donate Rs 10 lakh to the Chief Ministers` Relief Fund as succour to the victims of the recent flood in the state. Tentative budgets for the conduct of two major events at the Barabati Stadium this year were also approved in the meeting. According to the budgets, OCA would spend Rs 2.41 crores for the India-England fifth ODI (November 26) and Rs 40 lakh for the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy Tournament (October 23 to 26). The state`s richest sports body hopes to make a profit of Rs 8 lakhs from the ODI, through sale of tickets. Giving affiliated units a special grant of Rs 42 lakhs will constitute the major expense in the ODI budget. OCA expects a grant of Rs 20 lakh from the BCCI towards staging of the Challenger Trophy for which there would be tickets for spectators.