KARACHI:
The manipulation by ‘Big Three’ for getting control of international cricket is in full swing, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still waiting for instructions from its patron-in-chief, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to chalk out its strategy.
PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has been trying to meet the prime minster – but in vain. Now, the Board is uncertain as to what course of action it should take.
The issue is complicated; if the PCB supports the matter it will be blamed for being ‘anti-Pakistan’ and ‘pro-India’. But if the Board parts ways with the ‘Big Three’, then it is very likely that their teams won’t be visiting Pakistan anymore. But even if they played with Pakistan, they would deprive the PCB of the already limited earning ventures.
Although the ‘Big Three’ have promised to help restore international cricket in Pakistan which has died over the past few years. But the PCB should realise that this is not possible in the years to come, given the current law and order situation.
India has also tried to lure the PCB by offering a Pak-India series and by assuring to open the IPL doors for Pakistani players. In its response, the ‘not very convinced’ PCB officials have demanded guarantees that the neighbour will honour its words. They say India’s record does not inspire confidence in its promises and the Indians are most likely to renege as soon as their problem is solved.
In this regard, the English Cricket Board has stepped forward to offer assurances about India’s promises. The ICC has set its ‘court’ in Dubai like an Emperor would do and is asking its subjects (small boards) to beg for small favours.
The chief of the Indian Cricket Board, Srinawasan, could not reach Dubai till Monday evening because of his mother’s death. But he is in contact with others through videoconferencing. The BCCI secretary, Sunjay Patel, is expected to fill in for Srinawasan.
Sources reveal that officials of Indian, English and Australian boards have been offering various incentives to smaller countries in exchange for their votes. In the beginning, Bangladeshi officials hastily decided to support the ‘Big Three’ but when protests erupted in their country, that the implementation of the proposals will deprive them of their Test cricket, they stepped back and decided to offer conditional support only.
Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa have opposed the proposal but India is striving hard to win their support. New Zealand seems to support the move, while the poor Zimbabwean board is not strong enough to maintain a fighting stance.
In a surprising move, BCCI officials also met their staunch opponent Haroon Lorgat in Dubai to iron out the old bitterness.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2014.
COMMENTS (25)
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@Cricket lover: I hope Pakistan keeps in touch with Sri Lanka and South Africa. BD has folded as their main issue of being kicked out of Test Cricket has been removed. These three countries need to stick together. They need to stick to their guns but Sri Lanka is in finencial trouble and they need money fast. Do NOT believe a word India says. They will lie and say what ever along with the British and Australians to get their way. Once all is done, they will not honor anything. Even more sad part of all this mess is the STUPIDITY going on in the PCB. Nawaz Sharif decided to play his games at the worst possible time. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister. PATHETIC.
As a Pakistani patriot and cricket fan, I'm flabbergasted. When did India become so powerful? It seems like just yesterday that we were dominating in such wars as Kargil and 1971.
@Kalikamai: well said, the only one making a real point.
Why not leave the so called Big 3 alone and let them play with each other in World Cup and other ICC events. I am quite sure there matches will not even be broadcasted by radios.
Pakistan should not support this ridiculous proposal, no matter what the consequences are.
Our Board should not be scared of being alone. I am sure that in the future, when the game of cricket is totally finished by the Big Three, in their greed, Pakistan's stance will be appreciated. If Pakistan takes India's word for a series that they are offering, it would be a big mistake as Indians will never honor their promises. Look at the way they have humiliated our players time and again in the IPL.
It would be very sad if the PCB decides to vote for these proposal. The nation will never forgive them for this.
Three Idiots of the world cricket. BCCI, ECB and CA
I don't think that Pak people know the correct reason for India stance on ICC reshuffle. Since India contributes 80% finance of the ICC and gets only 4-5% share as revenue so, it has the grudge that if isn't getting fair share as per its contribution. According to revised amendments proposed at ICC, India share in revenue might increase to about 20% instead of 4-5%. I don't know why people are opposing this. You have to acknowledge that now-a-days, sports don't run on mere wishes and goodwill of people, it needs proper finance to prosper as well. Since India is the major contributor therefore it got every right for demanding its more equitable share from the proceeds. If Pakistan thinks that it's position got much sense then, it can very well walk out and get away from any contribution from ICC funding later....I don't think that having free lunch at the expense of others are in vogue these days, the sooner the realisation comes to Pakistanis the better it would be.
It's the principle involved and not the crumbs being thrown. If we get no money or games, so be it. Mr. Zaka is only complicating matters by his prevarication. He should come out unequivocally AGAINST it, even if PCB is the last board standing.
What strategy? There is not a choice but to oppose the big three. This is highly undemocratic from BCCI and other 2.
The proposed draft by big three is an criminal attempt to vandalize cricket. Soon Cricket will disappear from earth surface it this so-called proposal is accepted.
Pakistan has been getting free money from ICC for far too long. Its about time they do something for its own cricket and ICC.
The stance on this issue is pure and simple: a matter of principle...vote against such a proposal that brings a colonial mindset to sport by controlling the international body. It should not be money matters that ought to guide us here, rather every board, big or small should have the same weight. This is more of international politics than international sports. There is no way Pakistan should agree to such a ignominous proposal. Rather, Pakistan should lobby hard with Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, West Indies and Zimbabwe. They should all remain strong. If there is threat of boycott, then let it be as giving extra-ordinary powers to any particular board tantamounts to relinquishing your sovereign right to direct the way international cricket is played in your country. Stop this bid for cricket colonialism.
One shot fired at the border and all the promises will go to garbage.
As a cricketing nation we should consider this matter for the sake of Cricket rather than for our country. And believe me Cricket will die if these three greedy nations take over ICC.
Sell the game of cricket to 3 dictators. Pakistan will not even get the game in the country. They will make a excuse not to come to Pakistan later.
Things people will do to "earn" big - its definately pride v/s greed here. Incentive of cricket series, what's wrong with them! Do cricketing world not have a single "superman" to stop all this pathetic activity?