Sourav Ganguly backtracks on 'Super Series' statements despite England interest in concept

The new BCCI president had made comments at an event in Kolkata last week stating that India would welcome England, Australia and a fourth country for a regular ODI competition, starting in 2021

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has distanced himself from comments made to an Indian newspaper last week suggesting that his board was launching a new four-team ODI competition.

"Australia, England, India and another top team will feature in the Super Series which begins in 2021 and the first edition of the tournament will be played in India," Ganguly had been quoted as saying by Telegraph India at a press event for a fantasy cricket game he endorses.

However, the former India batsman has today told Times of India that "nothing is confirmed yet" and that development of the concept "will take a bit of time" before any arrangements can be confirmed.

Cricket Australia representatives also confirmed to the newspaper that they had yet to discuss the idea with the BCCI, although Australia's men's team travels to the country in the new year for a three-match ODI series and meetings are likely to be scheduled around this.

A statement from the ECB confirmed that discussions had taken place earlier this month with the BCCI about a potential tournament, but did not go as far as stating that plans had been made or that England were committed to such an endeavour.

"We meet regularly with other leaders from the major cricketing nations to share learnings and discuss topics that impact our sport," the statement read.

"A four-nation tournament was raised at a meeting with the BCCI in December and we are open to discussions with other ICC members to see if this concept can develop."

Nice venue to get back to in a different capacity .. with 2 very dear people @JayShah @bcci @ThakurArunS @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/QhTiX20XU0

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) December 13, 2019

^{Ganguly visited Lord's with BCCI secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Arun Thakur earlier this month}

Any such tournament would be likely to take place outside the jurisdiction of the ICC, as Ganguly has previously spoken of the need for the organisation to "respect" the BCCI and further increase India's slice of revenues generated by the game's global competitions.

On his appointment as BCCI president in October, Ganguly told the assembled press: "[Revenue share] is one area we will have to take care of because we have not received any money for the last three or four years from the ICC.

"Money in a sense is what we should deserve, because India generates 75 to 80 percent of the revenue, so that is going to be one of the agendas.

"Talks and discussions need to happen and we need to find a solution to this because this is not leading anywhere."

India, England and Australia have previously faced extensive criticism for a proposed 'Big Three' takeover of the board that would have further directed funds to them from ICC events.

However, in 2017 India was the only Full Member of the board to vote against a plan for revenue distribution up to 2023, despite its share of $293 million (£227 million) being more than twice as large as that issued to any other country under the proposal.

Subscribe to The Cricketer this Christmas and receive a £20 John Lewis voucher or Alastair Cook's autobiography. Claim your free gift here

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on everything England - including leading coverage of England in India, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.