Handing over administrative control to the Big Three and then expecting others to silently observe this is irrational and will only lead to an unnecessary oligarchy in world cricket. PHOTO: ICC WEBSITE
For much of the last decade, or more, the game’s executive decision-making lay with these cricket boards. India’s emergence as a powerhouse came with its financial armoury and its commercialisation. Its proposal to then see a return of investment in the form of power and control is justified, according to its board secretary, Sanjay Patel. England and Australia, the pioneers of the game, have also gone along with this scheme. But handing over administrative control to the Big Three and then expecting others to silently observe this is irrational and will only lead to an unnecessary oligarchy in world cricket. Last-gasp measures and desperate attempts have followed the presenting of the position paper. Its passing could turn out to be disastrous for Pakistan if the country’s cricket board does not play its cards well. Apart from the financial jolt that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would need to survive, bilateral agreements between member boards to play each other could virtually mean an end to any hope the country still had to host cricket or even host it in the UAE.
The PCB chairman, as of now, does not seem to be under threat of losing his seat and so needs to formulate a strategy along with Sri Lanka and South Africa to counter the Big Three’s proposals in a manner that will see it protect Pakistan’s interests at the ICC.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2014.
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I appreciate the editorial for saying that PCB should work to protect it's interest at ICC. I think it is only fair PCB acts in Pakistan interest. Over the last few days it is very amusing to read articles saying pakistan should lead the other 7 nations in saving cricket from the Big 3. Common sense tells people who make more money will do everything to continue to get more money.Also common sense tells countries which drive maximum revenue generation will be able to negotiate better. I am pretty sure India-Pak matches generate the maximum revenue and Pakistan probably has the best possibility to negotiate with Big 3.
Actually, Pakistan is going to benefit from this financially for the years to come - Even without playing much! Granted it will make much more money by playing and especially by hosting tournaments, but it is not the fault of other cricket boards if Pakistan's Government is not concerned about the security of others (forget others, it isn't concerned for the life of its own citizens!). In any case, a false scenario is being paintedof Pkiatsn having to suffer major losses by not being "given" any games to play if the Big three take over ICC, while in reality, Pakistan is going to benefit from this - atleast thats what the new rules/policies say (if applied/accepted).