By Chetan Sharma

New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has managed not to lay-off any staff or impose any pay cuts for players during this period of economic meltdown enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, there's a chance that the BCCI top brass may meet soon to discuss the possibility of a pay cut after taking into account all the aspects, revealed a senior BCCI official.

"We are yet to discuss the issue of salary cuts. But we will deliberate on the issue in a meeting and discuss how much will be the impact of all these things, and after keeping all that in mind we will take a call," the official told IANS. "Yes, there are chances of pay-cuts or layoffs as well."

Earlier, BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal had hinted that a lot will depend on the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin in UAE from September 19, taking place with the huge money on stake.

The richest cricket board in the world has managed to stay afloat without any lay off but did cost cutting measures on the travel and hospitality front. "We will discuss it since the IPL is happening now. A lot will depend on the success of IPL as well. Title sponsorship deal (of Rs 222 crore) is not that huge compared to previous one (Vivo's Rs 440 crore). So let's see what can be done with minimum damage," the official added.

Other boards like Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board, West Indies Cricket and New Zealand Cricket have reduced the salaries of players and staff.