BCCI takes bigger cover for Sachin’s last two Test matches

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) has covered the ongoing India-West Indies series of two test matches and three one-day international matches for Rs 190 crore against terrorism liability. State-owned National Insurance Company has written the policy, which covers losses resulting from cancellation of the event due to a terrorist strike.

“This is higher than the usual Rs170 crore cover generally taken by BCCI,” said a person familiar with the matter. With Sachin Tendulkar playing his last two test matches, the board expects a spike in revenue collection, added the person, who did not wish to be named. A large part of the cover will be reinsured within the country, primarily with General Insurance Corporation.

However, the board has not insured the matches against cancellation for other reasons. “Nowadays an event cancellation policy is taken 30 days before the tournament as risks arising out of bad weather are known well in advance,” said a senior official.

The insurance against terrorism liability is comparable with Commonwealth Games, which were insured forRs200 crore, while the ICC World Cup was insured for Rs240 crore. The Indian Premier League has the highest sum assured among all cricket events played in the country, with the last season of the IPL having been insured for Rs900 crore. Only 5,000 tickets were available for the general public for the ongoing match at Eden Gardens while 60,000 were booked for board members as Tendulkar bids adieu to test matches.