Opposition mounts against ‘Big three’ plan
Speed, Gray among ex-administrators raising voice for Mani’s note.
Former ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed has backed Ehsan Mani’s letter. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani’s note against the proposal by the India, Australia and England boards pushing for control of the global governing body is drawing worldwide support.
With the ICC Board meeting set to decide the fate of the proposal on January 28 and 29, several big names have joined Mani’s protest.
The former head and a prominent chartered accountant, Mani wrote an extensive letter, that he also shared with The Express Tribune, observing that the implementation of such a proposal would only enrich these three countries at the cost of other boards.
The letter, according to reports, was also undersigned by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd besides former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chiefs Shaharyar Khan and Lt Gen (retd) Tauqir Zia.
Interestingly, Mani’s letter also convinced former Cricket Australia and ICC bosses Malcom Speed and Malcom Gray, who broke ranks with their national board to support the move.
The letter sent to the ICC and member boards is demanding the proposal to be withdrawn, asking the governing body to instead revisit Woolf Report that called for improved governance, independent directors and greater transparency.
The text of the letter, according to ESPNcricinfo, reads:
“First, the Paper by the ICC F&CA Committee should be withdrawn. Second, the ICC directors and management, as a matter of urgency, are invited to review and comment on the Governance Report by Lord Woolf and PWC, with a view to implementing its recommendations and improving ICC’s Governance structure.”
Former cricketers warn PCB
In the meantime, several former Pakistan cricketers have warned the PCB against supporting plans of the ‘big three’.
These include Zaheer Abbas and Mohsin Khan, who have cautioned against the ‘trap’ by these three boards that have suddenly started showing an interest in playing a series with Pakistan.
It may be mentioned that Zaka Ashraf, who is countering a petition by the government in Supreme Court against his reinstatement earlier this month, is representing the PCB in this make or break ICC meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2014.
Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani’s note against the proposal by the India, Australia and England boards pushing for control of the global governing body is drawing worldwide support.
With the ICC Board meeting set to decide the fate of the proposal on January 28 and 29, several big names have joined Mani’s protest.
The former head and a prominent chartered accountant, Mani wrote an extensive letter, that he also shared with The Express Tribune, observing that the implementation of such a proposal would only enrich these three countries at the cost of other boards.
The letter, according to reports, was also undersigned by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd besides former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chiefs Shaharyar Khan and Lt Gen (retd) Tauqir Zia.
Interestingly, Mani’s letter also convinced former Cricket Australia and ICC bosses Malcom Speed and Malcom Gray, who broke ranks with their national board to support the move.
The letter sent to the ICC and member boards is demanding the proposal to be withdrawn, asking the governing body to instead revisit Woolf Report that called for improved governance, independent directors and greater transparency.
The text of the letter, according to ESPNcricinfo, reads:
“First, the Paper by the ICC F&CA Committee should be withdrawn. Second, the ICC directors and management, as a matter of urgency, are invited to review and comment on the Governance Report by Lord Woolf and PWC, with a view to implementing its recommendations and improving ICC’s Governance structure.”
Former cricketers warn PCB
In the meantime, several former Pakistan cricketers have warned the PCB against supporting plans of the ‘big three’.
These include Zaheer Abbas and Mohsin Khan, who have cautioned against the ‘trap’ by these three boards that have suddenly started showing an interest in playing a series with Pakistan.
It may be mentioned that Zaka Ashraf, who is countering a petition by the government in Supreme Court against his reinstatement earlier this month, is representing the PCB in this make or break ICC meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2014.