"We are close to resolving the issues," the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told reporters on Monday after a meeting with ICC representatives.

"Significant progress was made today and the gap was narrowed down to a great extent. We cannot rule out another one or two meetings but the solution should soon be found."

The Indian team, backed by players from around the world including Australia, are opposed to their World Cup contracts which stipulate they must freeze personal endorsements around the time of the tournament so as not to clash with official event sponsors.

The issue almost led to the Indian players boycotting the 12-team Champions Trophy in Colombo in September before the ICC brokered a compromise by relaxing some of the contract conditions.

AGREED UPON

Leg spinner Anil Kumble also attended Monday's meeting as the Indian players' representative.

The ICC was represented by Zimbabwe's Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, a member of the World Cup contracts committee, and Dave Richards, a general manager with the ruling body.

"Most of the document has been agreed upon," Ebrahim told reporters. "There are one or two aspects we need to talk about further and we will do that quickly."

The BCCI has not announced its preliminary squad of 30 players for the World Cup because of the row, although the ICC deadline was November 30.

"A positive aspect that has come out of today's meeting is that the best Indian team is very keen to be at the World Cup," Ebrahim said.

"With the World Cup fast approaching, it's important that we sort out the matter within the next week or 10 days."

The prestigious 14-nation tournament in scheduled for February-March next year.

Also read: ICC, BCCI to discuss contract row