The logistical magnitude of the World Cup seems to be turning out into a protracted nightmare for World Cup organisers.
The logistical magnitude of the World Cup seems to be turning out into a protracted nightmare for World Cup organisers. With just eight days to go for the mega event, the central organising committee (COC) is groping in darkness on ways to handle the Indian officialdom. The latest worry is the non-clearance of broadcast equipment.
About five consignments of equipment, bound for Bangalore are stuck at the New Delhi airport. But with no customs clearance yet, the equipment is gathering rust for the last five days. The COC has sent an SOS to the sports ministry but very little seems to have moved since.
The potential repercussions of further delay in release could be the blackout of the warm-up tie between India and Australia on Sunday.
The match, which will be played in Bangalore, is scheduled to be telecast live on ESPN-Star Sports. The more ominous fallout is the impact on the image of the championship which can ill-afford such a disastrous start. The Indian side of the COC may have to do a lot of answering on the issue. Another consequence could be a legal suit for damages on the organisers from the broadcasters of the championship.
“The very thought is frightening. We bid for the World Cup after obtaining clearance from the prime minister and government. Now we’re made to run from pillar to post,” says a COC official. “We cannot imagine the fallout if the equipment is not immediately cleared.”
The objection, one learns, has come from the customs department. The COC authorities claim that they have submitted the letter of clearance from the sports ministry. The rule, according to them, is that the broadcasters have to submit a bond, stating the value of the equipment and along with a cheque of 25 per cent of the cost of the material. They will, of course, have to export back the equipment within six months.
The COC has been corresponding with the sports ministry on a regular basis and claims to have obtained the necessary clearance. Officials from the customs could not to be contacted but a sports ministry official said, “Clearances for two lots have been issues. The third request was made yesterday (Tuesday) and it will be processed on Wednesday.
Tournament director Ratnakar Shetty has expressed confidence of getting the equipment cleared in the next 24 hours. “Yes, there is an issue over the equipment. We’re hoping it to be cleared by Thursday or Friday,” Shetty said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}