‘Cricket in Asiad is a positive step’

As part of its plan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) wants to target the United States to broaden cricket’s reach. A future pla...

As part of its plan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) wants to target the United States to broaden cricket’s reach. A future place in the Olympics after a debut at the 2006 Asian Games too is something which the ICC bosses are engaged in. The CEO of ICC, Malcolm Speed spoke to The Indian Express on the future plans and more. Excerpts…

How do you react to Asian Games 2006 in Doha having cricket as a discipline?
It’s a new decision. I haven’t had the time to understand the matter but it is a nice positive step. Asian Games would be a new experience for as I said cricket played whenever and wherever is welcomed by us.

So is the Olympics next? Maybe Twenty20 cricket as has been suggested?
There have not been any serious reports on this. For cricket to be at Olympics there has got to be a lot of ground to be covered. Anyway there are already a number of sports waiting in queue to be admitted. We would like to start as a non-playing partner of the Olympic movement and then see.

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Why was the US ignored as a World Cup 2007 venue?
We had to choose eight venues from 11 bidding countries. So it was a tough call. There were a number of problems connected with it (US), not least of all the visa procurement scheme. Taxation was also a problem apart from a few other legislative factors. All these issues ruled US out.

Was terror threats to US at all considered a roadblock?
It wasn’t a big factor. But yes it was a connected problem wherein the issue of visas gets delayed because of those issues (terrorism). So if we had schedules announced and teams could not get visas it would be a problem. Also there would be a lot of last minute work to be done then because there would be a need to find quick replacements.

What is the ICC’s stand on ProCricket?
We have had a consistent policy on this. Any promoter of cricket must obtain the acknowledgement of the governing national body that we (ICC) recognise. Now in this case the USACA (US board) does not approve of the event so we don’t do so either.

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