Force majeure clause likely if BCCI first-class contracts happen

By Khurram Habib New Delhi, Dec 3 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may bring in a ‘force majeure’ clause if it decides to bring in a contract for all first-class cricketers, who are set to lose match fees as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has put uncertainty around the 2020-21 first-class season.
As of now, there are chances that only limited-overs tournaments may happen this season from January.
While concerns to compensate the players for the losses have been raised, the Board may not do it as there are currently no contracts in place with the players. Only the Uttarakhand and Punjab state associations have until now thought about having contracts, although the plans have only been in the works.
“If there was a contract system with first-class or Ranji players, men or women, then yes BCCI and Apex Council can think about compensation. They could have been compensated because they are suffering, but there is no contract,” said an official in the know of developments.
The BCCI may eventually bring in a contract system together with the state associations for first-class cricketers, meaning it could be joint effort.
“The BCCI might do a contract system for all first-class cricketers. It could be jointly between BCCI and state associations, but it depends whether it will be 50-50 or 70-30, 80-20 with state bodies,” said the official.