The timeline of the BCCI-Sahara saga

The BCCI-Sahara truce was another twist in the already complicated tale which involved the heavyweights in Indian cricket. On one side was the richest board in world cricket, while on the other was the chief sponsor for several years.

Here is a look at the turn of events as they happened.

February 4 2012: Sahara withdraws sponsorship of Team India and ownership of IPL franchise Pune Warriors on the day of the IPL auction. Sahara released a statement expressing their dissatisfaction over the way the League had been handled by the BCCI and how its rules favoured some teams over others.

The Pune Warriors do not participate in the auction which also included significant marquee players. Although Sahara declare their dissaproval of the BCCI's tactics, they say that they would be open to negotiations. Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi seizes the opportunity to take a dig at BCCI President N. Srinivasan.

February 5, 2012: Franchises express their concern over the fact that the major pullout would disrepute the league citing a possible reluctance in future sponsorships. BCCI is hopeful of a resolution with Sahara soon.

February 6, 2012: The BCCI and Sahara come to talking terms as they decide to meet on the issue. The date is believed to be February 9 according to reports.

February 7, 2012: The Pune Warriors' players, which include the likes of Robin Uthappa, Rahul Sharma and Sourav Ganguly are put in a dark state over their future fearing a Kochi-like fallout which led to its players being re-auctioned. They write to Sahara owner Subroto Roy seeking a rethink over the decision to pull out. A series of accusations and denials pours in over past signings of Keiron Pollard and Andrew Flintoff.

February 9, 2012: The date of the meeting between the BCCI and Sahara is finalised to be February 12. The meeting is expected to have a soft stance as compared to the previous instances.

February 12, 2012: BCCI president N Srinivasan and Sahara India chairman Subroto Roy meet in person for the first time on the issue. The meeting is seen as an extremely positive step although no immediate results are indicated.

February 13, 2012: The issue is discussed in BCCI's working committee meeting. The BCCI conceded that it would not make an exception for the Pune Warriors IPL franchise. N Srinivasan, the BCCI president, said the board had sent a proposal to Sahara but the details were not disclosed. Sahara release the points of discussion with BCCI.

February 14, 2012: In a bid to improve negotiations, Shashank Manohar was included in the talks. Manohar was the BCCI President at the time Sahara claimed Pune Warriors for a whopping Rs. 1700 crore.

February 16, 2012: The BCCI and Sahara reach an agreement after the change in regulations of the IPL season 5. The major concessions Pune Warriors got was an extension of the trading window till the end of February, re-activation of their auction purse, the possibility of being allowed five foreign players (subject to the agreement of the other franchises), and an arbitrator to decide on their demand for a concession in the franchise fee.

Sahara say that they will continue the sponsorship of Team India and the ownership of Pune Warriors. The two release a statement to confirm the same.