BCCI warns franchisees over U-19 boys

NEW DELHI, February 23: With Indian Premier League teams in a hurry to sign up domestic players, the cricket Board has been forced to become a bit vigilant. The BCCI is worried about the fact that agents of franchisees have reached Kuala Lumpur to negotiate with the Under-19 players, that too on the eve of their quarterfinal match against England on Sunday. "Why distract them when they are busy with the World Cup? The board has told the team management to take appropriate steps and put the bidding of U-19 players on hold," the board official said. Sources told TOI that two U-19 players have already signed contracts with the franchisees. When told about that, the official said those contracts would be considered as null and void. Reacting to BCCI's temporary freeze on hiring U-19 players, one of the franchisees said: "Now at least, we can think about getting the right team." Another franchisee expressed surprise at the fact that the colts are bargaining. "I can't imagine an Under-19 player telling us that he is already being offered Rs 40 lakh by a team and that he is willing to play for my side if he is offered more money," an official for the franchisee said.