Friday, October 6 2006 16:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dubai: A top International Cricket Council (ICC) official said Friday that views of players, including the Indians, were taken before drafting the 2007-2015 Members' Participation Agreement (MPA) that the Indian board is refusing to sign.

"In drafting the player terms that fall within the MPA we have taken on board the views of players, including views expressed from India, to build a framework of agreements that will provide added benefits to players," ICC general manager (cricket) David Richardson said here.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to sign the MPA, which once signed by all 10 Test playing countries will give the ICC the authority to host 18 tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy between 2007 and 2015.

BCCI has objected to several points mentioned in the 80-page MPA, a move that led the ICC to warn and give it time until Monday to convey its objections.

The ICC has also warned the BCCI that it could not continue as one of the joint hosts of the 2011 World Cup if it did not agree to the MPA.

"The new MPA will be more flexible for players than previous agreements regulating participation in ICC events," claimed Richardson, a former South African Test wicket-keeper.

"Players will be faced with fewer restrictions regarding their own endorsement deals and will have greater control over the use of their own player attributes before, during and after ICC events," he said.

Richardson claimed that his 'formal and informal discussions' with players and their representatives "indicate widespread support" for MPA.

"The new system will have the added benefit of incorporating clearer guidelines and opportunities for all," he said.

"While the ICC is required to deal directly with the BCCI on player issues, I've always enjoyed a good relationship with the Indian captain Rahul Dravid and several of their leading players and, should the BCCI permit, I'd welcome an opportunity to answer any queries they may have," he said.