‘Big Three’ overpower ‘Small Seven’?
ICC asserts ‘unanimous support’ on principles; PCB says no decision made .
The ICC claimed to have reached a unanimous support on key issues on the governance of the game, the PCB, CSA and BCB negated the impression later. PHOTO: ICC WEBSITE
KARACHI:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) deferred the implementation of the ‘Big Three’ proposal until next month but the Indian, English and Australian boards drew ‘unanimous support’ on a number of key principles on the opening day of its board members meeting in Dubai on Tuesday.
‘Big Three’- the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) set appear to be the beneficiaries in a number of agreed principles which the ICC shared on conclusion on the opening day of the two-day meeting.
It was an crucial day for the future of the game amid hue and cry over the proposal, read as an attempt to create a triumvirate in the global governing body.
Interestingly, the day began with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ahsraf saying that Cricket South Africa, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were on the same line over the draft proposal. The boards reportedly requested the proposal to be deferred.
The Executive Board deliberated for six hours with reports of heated arguments between the members of ‘Big Three’ and opposing boards.
However, the opening day ended with ICC claiming ‘unanimous support for a set of principles relating to the future structure, governance and financial models of the ICC.
Formation of Executive Committee
The ICC signaled the formation of an Executive Committee and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) comprising five members including the ‘Big Three’.
“The establishment of an Executive Committee (ExCo) and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) to provide leadership at an operational level, with five members, including BCCI, CA and ECB representatives.
“Anybody from within the Board can be elected to Chair the Board and anybody from within ExCo and F&CA can be elected to Chair those Committees.
“With the ICC undergoing a transitional period that includes a new governance structure and media rights cycle, this leadership will be provided for two years from June 2014 by: a BCCI representative to Chair the ICC Board, a CA representative to Chair the ExCo and an ECB representative to Chair the F&CA.”
CT to be revived at cost of Test Championship
The ICC mentioned nine ‘principles’ which were said to be unanimously supported by the Board members.
“Recognition of the need for strong leadership of the ICC, involving leading Members, which will involve BCCI taking a central leadership responsibility,” read the ICC release.
The ICC also heralded the revival of the Champions Trophy that was abolished last year.
“There will be three major ICC events in each four-year cycle, including the ICC Champions Trophy which will replace the ICC World Test Championship.”
It added that except for the ‘Big Three’, “A Test Cricket Fund paid equally on an annual basis to all Full Members will be introduced to encourage and support the longer format.
‘FTP agreements legally binding’
On Future Tour Programme (FTP), it stated: “Mutually agreed bi-lateral FTP Agreements which will be legally binding and bankable and will run for the same period as the ICC commercial rights cycle (2015-2023).
The ICC added: “There will be an opportunity for all Members to play all formats of cricket on merit, with participation based on meritocracy; no immunity to any country, and no change to membership status.
PCB, CSA and BCB remain adamant
In an alarming turn of events the Pakistan Cricket Board stated in a press release following the ICC communiqué that no decision with regards to any proposed changes as per the Position Paper submitted by BCCI, CA and ECB was made in the board meeting.
The statement further read, “The PCB clearly stated at the meeting that the guiding principles were subject to PCB’s Governing Board’s approval. These matters will be placed before the Board of Governors and thereafter PCB will take its position at the next ICC Board meeting.”
A similar stance was adopted by Cricket South Africa and Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2014.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) deferred the implementation of the ‘Big Three’ proposal until next month but the Indian, English and Australian boards drew ‘unanimous support’ on a number of key principles on the opening day of its board members meeting in Dubai on Tuesday.
‘Big Three’- the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) set appear to be the beneficiaries in a number of agreed principles which the ICC shared on conclusion on the opening day of the two-day meeting.
It was an crucial day for the future of the game amid hue and cry over the proposal, read as an attempt to create a triumvirate in the global governing body.
Interestingly, the day began with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ahsraf saying that Cricket South Africa, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were on the same line over the draft proposal. The boards reportedly requested the proposal to be deferred.
The Executive Board deliberated for six hours with reports of heated arguments between the members of ‘Big Three’ and opposing boards.
However, the opening day ended with ICC claiming ‘unanimous support for a set of principles relating to the future structure, governance and financial models of the ICC.
Formation of Executive Committee
The ICC signaled the formation of an Executive Committee and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) comprising five members including the ‘Big Three’.
“The establishment of an Executive Committee (ExCo) and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) to provide leadership at an operational level, with five members, including BCCI, CA and ECB representatives.
“Anybody from within the Board can be elected to Chair the Board and anybody from within ExCo and F&CA can be elected to Chair those Committees.
“With the ICC undergoing a transitional period that includes a new governance structure and media rights cycle, this leadership will be provided for two years from June 2014 by: a BCCI representative to Chair the ICC Board, a CA representative to Chair the ExCo and an ECB representative to Chair the F&CA.”
CT to be revived at cost of Test Championship
The ICC mentioned nine ‘principles’ which were said to be unanimously supported by the Board members.
“Recognition of the need for strong leadership of the ICC, involving leading Members, which will involve BCCI taking a central leadership responsibility,” read the ICC release.
The ICC also heralded the revival of the Champions Trophy that was abolished last year.
“There will be three major ICC events in each four-year cycle, including the ICC Champions Trophy which will replace the ICC World Test Championship.”
It added that except for the ‘Big Three’, “A Test Cricket Fund paid equally on an annual basis to all Full Members will be introduced to encourage and support the longer format.
‘FTP agreements legally binding’
On Future Tour Programme (FTP), it stated: “Mutually agreed bi-lateral FTP Agreements which will be legally binding and bankable and will run for the same period as the ICC commercial rights cycle (2015-2023).
The ICC added: “There will be an opportunity for all Members to play all formats of cricket on merit, with participation based on meritocracy; no immunity to any country, and no change to membership status.
PCB, CSA and BCB remain adamant
In an alarming turn of events the Pakistan Cricket Board stated in a press release following the ICC communiqué that no decision with regards to any proposed changes as per the Position Paper submitted by BCCI, CA and ECB was made in the board meeting.
The statement further read, “The PCB clearly stated at the meeting that the guiding principles were subject to PCB’s Governing Board’s approval. These matters will be placed before the Board of Governors and thereafter PCB will take its position at the next ICC Board meeting.”
A similar stance was adopted by Cricket South Africa and Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2014.