Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani has said that Pakistan can still save the current rotational system – of appointing the governing body chief – from being removed ahead of the Full Council meeting that takes place tomorrow.
A decision on doing away with the rotational policy of appointing ICC presidents and amendment to the constitution, that bars government’s intervention in cricket affairs, will be key agendas of the meeting tomorrow which will also bring down curtains on the ICC annual conference in Hong Kong.
Under a new proposal, the Executive Board will decide the process and term of office, subject to certain qualification criteria, removing the current rotational system and fixed tenure of appointment
If approved, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh, who are next in line for presidency, will be affected.
Although both countries have hinted at opposing the move, their rejection will not be enough to block the proposal.
However Mani, who was the ICC president from 2003 to 2006, urged the PCB to gather support from the Full Members in order to block the resolution.
“The PCB still has time to block the resolution,” Mani told The Express Tribune.
“They should gather support from the other ICC Full Members especially the Australia, England and Sri Lanka boards.
“It’s an Indian board conspiracy and I’m surprised why other boards haven’t raised their voice against the proposal yet. The change will bring uncertainty within the organisation and will result in rift among the member countries.”
The PCB has already served a legal notice to the ICC on constitutional amendment aimed at avoiding undue government interference, but the former ICC chief was not convinced with the Pakistan board’s decision .
“The best way to oppose unwelcomed proposals is to gather support. Legalising the matter won’t help much.”
Minnows included in 2015 World Cup
Paving the way for Associate Members, the ICC has reversed its previous decision and approved a 14-team format for the 2015 World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
The decision came on the opening day of the two-day meeting of the ICC Executive Board in Hong Kong yesterday.
The continuation of a 12-team format for the ICC World Twenty20 events in 2012 (Sri Lanka) and 2014 (Bangladesh) has also been approved.
It was also confirmed that the World Cup in 2019 would be a 10-team event with the top eight in the ICC rankings earning their qualification automatically.
The remaining two places will be decided by a qualification competition.
The Executive Board has also approved recommendations regarding the Decision Review System, revised format for one-dayers and prohibiting use of runners.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2011.
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