The ECB has upped the ante against the BCCI over their differences over the Champions League on Saturday.

Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa, the Indian board's partners in the Champions League, are upset with the objection raised by the the English board over a host of issues over the much hyped League. But it seems the ECB is in no mood to relent.

A top ECB official called up a national daily and launched a scathing attack on the BCCI or rather what he called the organisers of the Champions League. What is more, he did not give guarantee if Middlesex would take part in the September 29-Oct 8 tournament.

Using strong words, the ECB official, asking not to be named, said; "It was gross discourtesy on the part of the Champions League organisers. They did not follow any international protocol in their invitation to us. The ECB was never so badly treated."

He then continued his broadside: "Middlesex will take part in the League only if the tournament is authorised." He did not elaborate, but said: "You should ask the International Cricket Council." Clearly, he was hinting at the objections raised by the ICC.

A BCCI official said the Indian board would come up with an equally strong retort: "It's not just the BCCI but Cricket Australia and South Africa are now united against the English Board. They are also very upset and unhappy with the behaviour of the ECB. They are preparing a strongly-worded reply. Not just Modi but also James Sutherland of CA and Gerard Majola of SA will be signatory to the letter."

The BCCI sources say they have a plan ready if English board doesn't allow Middlesex to travel to India.

The ECB has called a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the issue further.