Rashid Latif backs Pakistan’s stance on the ‘Big Three’ reforms, saying financial distribution should be equal for all Test-playing nations. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Former skipper Rashid Latif believes that Pakistan’s stance on the ‘Big Three’ reforms approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday was justified as financial distribution should be equal for all Test-playing nations.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did the right thing since they were opposing a cause that was an equal distribution of money among the Test-playing nations,” Latif told The Express Tribune.
“The board must not give up the case and should draw the ICC into a legal battle.”
In the key executive decisions, it was decided that the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) President N Srinivasan would become the ICC chairman from July this year, while Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Wally Edwards would head a newly-formed executive committee, which will report to the ICC board.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Giles Clarke will continue to be the head of the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.
Latif, who is known for speaking his mind, further stated that Srinivasan and Clarke will go onto become the new ‘dons’ of the ICC.
“Srinivasan and Clarke will be the new black and white dons of ICC and the cricket world after these new approvals in the ICC meeting.
“They will have complete charge of the international body in a short while and they will be in a position to do whatever they want and nobody will be there to question them.”
He further forecasted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be targeted by the so-called ‘Big Three’ – the BCCI, ECB and CA. He believes they will try everything possible to keep them from winning any events or play in their finals through any kind of tampering, ranging from poor umpiring to underprepared pitches.
Another former captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja stated that Pakistan’s decision was not based on logic and was rather enticed by emotions.
“The PCB should have made a pragmatic decision rather than getting sentimental about the deal,” he said.
“Unfortunately, whenever India is involved, we lose our pragmatism. Ideally we should have sought assurances from the high profile India.”
PCB went under-prepared for big occasion: Rizvi
Former PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi felt that the board officials went under-prepared and their strategy was not the right one for such a big occasion.
“The turn of events reflect that the PCB went under-prepared and devoid of any contingent strategy,” said Rizvi.
“At the international level, you never expose your cards before the hand and always go with a backup plan. By abstaining, the PCB turned up high and dry and that too on the wrong side.”
He further elaborated that if there were objections raised in the meeting with regard to any procedural violation, only then could there be room for seeking legal recourse.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (9)
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Rashid Latif says“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did the right thing since they were opposing a cause that was an equal distribution of money among the Test-playing nations,”
Somebody please tell him that PCB did not oppose..they just abstained from voting.. :) :)
PCB went without a strategy and it was only matter of time before the reforms were passed. PCB wanted free money from BCCI and ICC took a stand.
PCB is angry that they couldnt get a good deal from BCCI. The confusion of PCB is so evident in the fact that they didnt even vote.
For once we have taken a stance based on equity and justice and we should continue to push our stance in future as well.
Surely the Big three cannot play Bagladesh, Zimbabwae or WI on a continuous basis given the monetary costs associated with hosting or touring these places. Also the players only have so much time, why should they continue to play at places which would make them tired and will result in underperforming at IPL - tournament for which they live for!
Pakistan was betrayed by south Africa I feel pakistan made the right decision regardless of the motivation. I am bitterly disappointed with ramiz raja he seems like someone ready to sell anything a reputation Pakistan has had in the past.
@rasgullah: A tiger only by name. A tiger at home only and a nuisance abroad. I wouldn't even call it a tiger.
The tiger that generates 80% of crickets global money!
@rasgullah:
Are you referring to the Tiger that got pinned by a Kiwi?
Thinking of fighiting legal war with Big 3 or ICC will come down heavily on pakistan,mind you mr rasid latif.Pakistan has the habit of loosing legal war at international level so dont act too smart and think Big 3 will sit idle.such act will make permanent enemy for pakistan which will not only be reflected in ICC but in politics also.
A mouse should never foolishly fight the tiger, especially when it doesn't have strong foriegn friends like China to save it.