Dubai, Oct. 6: In an apparent attempt to put pressure on the BCCI, the ICC on Friday offered to hold direct talks with the Indian players and allay any apprehension they might have on the Members’ Participation Agreement.

ICC general manager David Richardson said that although the ICC was required to deal with its Member boards, it was willing to involve the Indian players in discussions on the MPA. "While the ICC is required to deal directly with the Indian board on player issues, I have always enjoyed a good relationship with 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," Richardson said.

The MPA lays out the guidelines for the boards and players participating in all ICC events during the period 2007-2015.

BCCI has refused to sign the MPA in its present form saying it hurts the sponsorship interest of the players and the body.

"The new MPA will be more flexible for players than previous agreements regulating participation in ICC events," Richardson said. "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.

"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.