"I think South Africa cheated us," PCB chief Zaka Ashraf. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The PCB chairman said South Africa had indicated opposition to the International Cricket Council (ICC) reforms, seen as favouring the "Big Three" of India, England and Australia, as recently as Friday.
But just hours later on Saturday, South Africa overturned their opposition to support for the proposals at the ICC board meeting in Singapore, giving the proposal the extra vote they needed to pass.
In the final reckoning, of the 10 full ICC members, eight were in favour with only Pakistan and Sri Lanka abstaining.
"I think South Africa cheated us," Ashraf told AFP by phone from Singapore.
"Just last night (Friday) they told us that they have changed their stance and told us that it was the decision of their board (CSA). It disappointed us."
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa were the three opponents when the reforms were debated at an ICC board meeting last month. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now discuss the proposals with their respective boards.
"Our stance was based on principle but other countries went after money. I am afraid the big share of money will go to the 'Big Three'. The 'Big Three' will get money from the share of the other seven," Ashraf said.
"We have requested the ICC board to give us time. We will discuss this matter further in our board of governors meeting and will try to get the PM's (Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif) advice on this."
Separately, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said he fears "severe consequences" from the revamp to cricket worldwide.
"I think this is more damaging to cricket than match-fixing," Latif told AFP. "Giving powers to three 'dons' mean they will take every decision on their whims... handing power to three means the ICC ceased to exist."
Among the reforms, the "Big Three" were given permanent seats on a new, five-man executive committee, while India's N. Srinivasan was made chairman of the decision-making ICC board.
COMMENTS (86)
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Pak should stop cribbing and face the truth . What is pak position in the world today forget about cricket . Pak has gone back to what india was 50 years back. We have moved on and pak still planing aboit kashmir . Grow up kids the world has changed .
under the new rules - India, England and Australia can never be relegated out of the top 8.
hahahahahaha ---
Can you imagine if in the English Premier League they make a new rule that Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal can never be relegated.
@ria: I think you have totally missed the plot.. reaching moon... being super power... what has this to do with this article. My advise is to take a long breath and think what before you write... loser as always..
@Guru: "India has the power and might to buy or control whole pakistan if they really want"
You buy "Assets" not "Liabilities"
after reading the news item and the comments,I am reminded of an incident at Davos, Switzerland. A Pakistani minister was talking to a top honcho of Indian company Mahindra and Mahindra which manufactures tractors among other things. The Pakistan Minister said he had been told that the tractors were of top quality and were exported to many countries.When the company official said they were ready to sell them to Pakistan as well, this is what the minister replied..." Sorry this can't happen because we cant have Indian tractors ploughing Pakistani fields." Need I say anything more?
I respect the stance PCB took at least somebody stood for the self respect of this country. As for the so called "big" 3 the biggest of them is so big (a loser) that it loses miserably whenever it dares play out of its over crowded over populated land, as a matter of fact it lost only yesterday also somewhere down under, what a pathetic joke of a "big" it is
We will play cricket in houses, streets ,parks,school fields;city fields and bigger fields with only ourselves and our empires where we can do anything -fixing,tampering,spot..We will be happy to that..Good luck to Big 3 and their associates.
"The ‘Big Three’ will get money from the share of the other seven" Mr.Zaka missed a small point. The "Big Three" happen to generate 96% of ICC's revenue. India alone generates 80% of the ICC revenues. The 'other seven' are just free loaders who want a lot but contribute nothing. Their share deserved a serious cutback.
Fellow countrymen (Indians). Nothing good can come out of BCCI. I have no idea what is the condition of PCB, but BCCI is a body of corrupt people with no accountability. Remember it represents the name India and should be accountable to all Indians, as every Indian has a stake in the name "India". Direct political control of the cricket boards is more just than the present system of voting by local cricket bodies. The whole system has become opaque and corrupt. How my fellow countrymen here explain the hold of Srinivasan after the IPL match betting episodes and Srinivasan's son in law's involvement in it is beyond me.
cricket teams of India, England, Australia all three were beaten badly away from their homes .. what a pity they will rule cricket now !
shame
Pakistan needs to understand that cricket is now a professional sport and a lot of money is made. Why shouldn't the countries that generate a large percentage of revenue have more of a say in ICC matters? India brings in 80% of the revenue. If Pakistan or any other country doesn't like it, why not they simply resign from ICC and form their own association?
Such a shame that comments by indian or bcci apologists have got maximum likes on the comments section. Never thought I'do see this on a Pakistani News website.
Pakistan should also take principle stance against drone strikes...
@Guru: "India has the power and might to buy or control whole pakistan if they really want" Tobah! Tobah! But why would India, in its right senses, want that?
India has the power and might to buy or control whole pakistan if they really want
That's good after cheating is all you people do to the ordinary people of Pakistan.
PCB should strike a deal with BCCI and then allow for revival of cricket in Pakistan. We are big hearted and will tour Pakistan, also allow you to play in IPL.
It is better to be brave and accept openly that all in top positions our incompetent who can neither solve domestic nor international issues. Why our PM did not contact Indian PM on this issue? Why we are always left alone and blame others for all ills? Cricket is the only game which majority from all walk of life jells together us all in Pakistan. We should stop thing that we are Tarzan or Hercules.
@Jahanzebish: Hmmm...do check results of every single war that Pakistan fought with India. Panipat has nothing to do with Pakistan.
Now among other things India is set to be blamed for making Pakistanis leave cricket and start kabaddi but wait India rules the roost there too.....
Don't understand why Pakistanis are raising a stink on this.
Don't worry about cricket... Let's face it cricket (atleast this version) sucks big time... The era of, Akram, Younus, Miandad, IK is gone.
Other sports squash, hockey, football need to be encouraged.
Reading the above comments is more heartening and sorrowful than this news piece. So many Indians bashing Pakistan and somehow pointing everything to our problems with terrorism is not what we expect to see EVERYDAY here on ET.
Moderators, once again, PLEASE HAVE SOME SELF RESPECT and PATRIOTISM.
Have you ever described what could have been Pakistan constructive role in the game ??? Was there not enough time to consider the proposal and debate ?? Its just that Pakistan has to oppose whatever India proposes .. Its like I will spoil the broth if i can't get it all.. and wont let anybody to have it ... That's what has become a national physic of Pakistan ...and its hitting themselves back in every aspect of life ...
@G. Din: what happened here? you opposed but India won. expect same in UNSC also. u will oppose but Indian will win there also.
This is another example to show that Pakistan is ready to oppose India even to the extent of shooting on its own foot.
Hatred for India has again cost Pakistan dear. Instead of examining the proposal and working the backroom to get a better deal like other countries, pique was resorted to. Ghairat cannot be eaten or fill an empty stomach.
cricket is over
"We have requested the ICC board to give us time. We will discuss this matter further in our board of governors meeting and will try to get the PM’s (Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif) advice on this"
The relations with CSA were on the rise. With such immature statements ("Pakistan feels cheated"), Pakistan will only isolate itself more. Everybody wants their fair share, CSA got it, Pakistan missed out. Pakistan should stop giving out such immature statements.
Also, What is the job of PCB bosses if everything needs to go back to PM?!
@pakistani: "in the end cricket will lose"
No, Pakistan will be the biggest loser. By going against India, Pakistan has once again missed a golden opportunity to start cricket again in Pakistan, to get a bigger share of money et cetera. If the other countries can strike a deal, why couldn't we? We talk of principles when we can't even host international teams?! Sorry but no one would listen.
PCB has embarrassed Pakistan again, now the fans will have to suffer the consequences. You cannot go against the big powers, the rest of the cricketing world was sensible and got deals that favored them. Once again, Pakistan only isolated itself.
Emotional Pakistanis should realize that there is no honor left in us if we can't even host teams on our soil. And we lost even the last opportunity.
“I think this is more damaging to cricket than match-fixing,” What a thing to say ! Looks like match fixing is always on the minds of Pakistani players - past and present.
@unbelievable got it right. How can a majority 'for' vote with none against be 'cheating'?? Pakistan never learned about democracy and I think they never will.
Looks like India has become what they were fighting against only a few weeks ago. Mock us all you want. In this case, the PCB took a principled stance. The BCCI might have just ruined cricket.
When will Pakistan realize that it has no friends left? And if it has any, there is common denominator - they don't like India either! You can't survive in the world like that.
@ Jahanzebish Paani patt...lol. I think you mean Panipat and what does a Pakistani have to do with The Battle of Panipat anyway? Co-opting foreign history and calling it your own has turned in to an annoying habit of Pakistanis.
Why do you feel cheated when your stand was principled? Try to live with in means for once and it goes for ever thing you do.India is very big country in ever respect compared to yours.world want to do business with them for their own benefits.project your power with respect to your strength and stop posing as if you are at par with India, simply because you are not. If you think you are you will not find any one standing beside you because nobody wants to be called stupid.
@ria: st this non sense. Remember those days when india and pakistan fought against veto power of England and Australia. You cheaters!!!!
no matter what, cricket is the looser in the long run.
First time I am proud of PCB. Indians who are commenting on this site, kindly go and enjoy your cricket, why are you commenting on this site with Pakistani names.
Honestly, it is a good time to start a professional league in Pakistan and PCB should go for it. We can also earn through professional league as we are cricket loving nation.
Whingeing Pakistanis obviously believe they have been hard done by. Stop acting like the Pint that thinks it is a quart.
@Jahanzebish: Sure if you are coming as a tourist else may be in Lahore/Karachi/Islamabad.
RIP - PCB.
T Express, where Indian posters are always given priority over own people. Just another example of the so called "free media" in Pakistan. Thanks to you guys for intentionally washing the country's name in gutter residue.
@pakistani: and reaching moon and becoming superpower in 5 years is right by which logic??
If just this has driven you bonkers, imagine what will happen when India takes its rightful place as a permanent member of Security Council at the UN.
South Africans had to choke.It's in their genes.RIP cricket.You are in the hands of Businessmen now.
@rahul. Replace beggars with Slumdogs. That is the whole point Pakistan is pushing for.
Good decision by Pak.
Sooner rather later RIP Cricket.
regards,
How a voting decision by majority can be called controversial.And who is cheating whom here??,when everybody has to see his own interest-like Pakistan has to oppose its arch enemy India at any cost.So Only Pakistan will be ultimately on losing side-as Indian offer of bilateral series on neutral location will be called off(which could have been money spinning game for PCB)-all others will be as usual or gain something in the bargain
How a voting decision by majority can be called controversial.And who is cheating whom here??,when everybody has to see his own interest-like Pakistan has to oppose its arch enemy India at any cost.So Only Pakistan will be ultimately on losing side-as Indian offer of bilateral series on neutral location will be called off(which could have been money spinning game for PCB)-all others will be as usual or gain something in the bargain
If moving the clock backwards, to the days when the power used to be centered around a few, were something to be proud of, then we, Pakistanis, had better be out of it and good luck to these money-monger and power-hungry Indians. Simply pathetic!!!
What is Mr. Ashraf cribbing about? India generates 80% of the games revenues and England and Australia another 10-12%? Pakistan and Sri Lanka put together wouldn't contribute more than 2-3% of the games revenues. How do you expect to be treated as an equal in such a scenario???
Everyone is cheating Pakistan. Iran, Afghanistan, India, South Africa, USA, ICC, IMF, KFC. May be God doesn't love Pakistan as much as they love others.
Don't blame other countries. Everyone in the field was for better deal and when they got it, they had to change sides but your mission was not to get a better deal for Pakistan, your mission was to stop big three, a mission which was destined to fail. Your emotional hate speeches without facts and figures can work in Pakistan but world doesn't care about our internal politics. It is said that if you are not satisfied with your share of the pie, work together to make it a bigger pie.
@rahul: if not in a cricketing ground, see you in paani patt again...!!!
Incredibly short sighted of Pakistan which other test cricket playing nations avoid visiting, for permitting her pathological hatred for India, to greatly annoy England and Australia who along with India now hold the majority on the ICC Council. Yet another case of Pakistan’s self-proclaimed “Tactical Brilliance” going awry and getting instead converted to Strategic blunder?
Last time we saw the indian "Power" in India vs Pak. Its fine, you guys wana ruin cricket, fine by us. Tbh, India vs. Pakistan is the most watched, anticipated and profit making matches in cricket. You dont want a repeat of the "Annay doo" humiliation again so work ways to block such cases, thus ruin cricket for everyone, fine by us.
All these fanboys with "rising" indian power, might want to realize what rises must fall as well. Would love to see their faces when the time comes.
Great. Made my day. Pakistanis should know their level before they jump in. God Bless Big 3. Amen.
@rahul: yes... u r right... a representative from the beggar nation has become the ici chairman... period
@san: oh really... stop speculating without any iota of evidence... who is bcci to dictate who can play in pakistan or not...
@Hafiz: i think you meant to say india... not pakistan
@ria: your logic is pathetic... in the end.... cricket will loose...
There is word called "KARMA" which we use frequently in our daily life. It means there is price for every action. And your country is definitely paying that in all forms. We are just lovely that.
So many Indians confusing sports with politics. You have't won a seat at the UN, you've just ruined a sport.
If India had given granty for bilateral series then they also say like this??
The irony is that at one point in time the BCCI opposed the Big Two (CSA and ECB) calling their rule over cricket undemocratic and colonial. Hypocrisy has no bounds. I'm proud of the PCB for sticking to their guns and not being persuaded by money. If a recent poll on Cricinfo is any indicator, these changes are deeply unpopular among cricket fans. The only people cheering are ultra-nationalists and the boards that plan to make a lot money very soon.
Zaka is mad because CSA folded before he could. CSA got a good offer which PCB could have gotten.
First zaka made enemies in big 3 and now with statements like these he has made CSA a enemy as well.
@ unbelievable "80% voting in favor with nobody voting against is ample evidence that the decision wasn’t very controversial – if Pakistan is so upset why didn’t it vote NO?"
How is it 80% in favour? 8 people voted and all of them voted in 'Yes'. So that 100% in favour.
lets see who has won after one to two years.my indian freinds should celebrate for the time being
Stay cheated... world keep on changing... you keep on crying.
Beggers cannot be chooser .. Period!!
80% voting in favor with nobody voting against is ample evidence that the decision wasn't very controversial - if Pakistan is so upset why didn't it vote NO?
Pakistan abstained from voting. How can Pakistan be cheated, if it did not even participate?
Second, this is cricket not a charity. Gaming events are a money making business all over the world for example American Football has money funding around it than the entire ICC nations combined. European Football also is a multi billion dollar business.
Pakistan has a long way to go in solving its terrorism problems before it can even be considered as a serious contender to have a say in the matters of international events management.
Moral of the story : "Don't messed up with BCCI and Mr N. Srinivasan." Pakistan has lost a golden opportunity to start international cricket in pakistam. Only BCCI can help Pakistan to do this. I don't see any form of internal cricket back in Pakistan after they go against BCCI.
Pakistanis should stop watching and playing Cricket. The Badmash league including our arch rival enemy India has officially taken over. Its no more a gentleman's game and it only gets worse from here. Already we are not allowed to play our games in our home soil so by now we should understand what more new laws and regulations to expect.... In my opinion, we need to bring a change here. We must introduce new sports. For example, we lag behind in Football, so better we start improving our infrastructure and make it popular among our youth.
pakistan could not stop indian power in icc now this is jealousy of pakistan
only cheater country pakistan can cheat.
srilanka, pakistan should cheated to ICC.
Sour Grapes
why pakistan always cheated to the world??