India will call for the abolition of the Champions Trophy at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Dubai next week, a leading Indian cricket board official said on Wednesday.
The ICC introduced the biennial one-day competition in 1998 to generate income for its development projects. India are scheduled to host the fifth edition this year.
"We could have Australia for a bilateral at that time, which could make a lot of money, say $50-60 million," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday.
"Therefore, why have the Champions Trophy?"
The Champions Trophy is the brainchild of former ICC and Indian board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, who is credited with turning the cash-strapped ICC into one of the world's richest sporting bodies.
"I think other countries may have a similar thinking. This will find a sympathetic ear," the official said on phone from New Delhi after attending a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council.
He said India has already completed the schedule for 20 one-day internationals over the next four years with Australia and are discussing a similar arrangement with England and Pakistan.
"If we stick to the ICC's Future Tour Programme, we go to Australia only in 2011. By entering into a bilateral agreement we play them more frequently.
"There is just a directional shift, the shift is in the interest of the Indian cricket lover."
"Why should a host use up valuable, income-earning playing time for the Champions Trophy, where all the money goes to the ICC?"
The official said having the Champions Trophy every two years is also diluting the primacy of the World Cup.
India in recent months have struck major sponsorship deals, including a four-year agreement with private airline Air Sahara for $69.6 million.
