NEW DELHI: Though relieved at being allowed World Cup coverage of the final contest between India and Sri Lanka, the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) reiterated that its members had scrupulously adhered to the NBA News Access Guidelines and the dispensation available to them under Indian laws which clearly must prevail over ICC’s unilateral actions.

Rejecting the ICC position that its Members had violated any Guidelines, NBA said its members had acted in consonance with the invariable practices followed in the past (including for ICC events), in the face of ICC’s attempt to deviate from standard accepted business practices prevalent in India.   
     
  Noting that the ICC had seen reason and understood the true nature of the India - Sri Lanka final match and restored accreditation to its Member Channels, NBA said this was "in large measure due to the constructive intervention of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, including the personal interest shown by Minister Ambika Soni, who has truly appreciated the sensitivities and rights of the Indian viewers".

NBA said its members are responsible broadcasters and are conscious of the rights and obligations of the parties, including those of the ICC, broadcasters and the Indian public.

By restoring accreditation, ICC has also recognised that it must subject itself to the prevalent laws governing ‘fair use’ in the host country.

The members will continue to strive to bring to their large number of viewers a most enjoyable coverage of the event which has always been the principle driving force of the news broadcasters, NBA said.