Shot in the arm for players’ union

In a decision that might have far-reaching effects, the ICC’s Cricket Committee-Management (CC-M) today proposed that ICC’s execut...

In a decision that might have far-reaching effects, the ICC’s Cricket Committee-Management (CC-M) today proposed that ICC’s executive board recognise the different players’ associations at the end of the two-day meeting at the Cricket Club of India here on Friday.

‘‘The emergence of players’ associations has become an issue which cricket has been wrestling with for some years now. Subject to review by the executive board of the ICC, the CC-M feels that ICC should recognise players’ associations where they exist. It’s a move forward for the ICC,’’ said Malcolm Speed, CEO, ICC who chaired the meeting.

New format for World Cup

ICC’s Cricket Committee-Management (CC-M) has proposed that a new format comprising 16 nations for the forthcoming one-day World Cup to be held in the West Indies in 2007 be put in place. Making the announcement, Speed said, ‘‘Subject to clearance from the organisers of the World Cup 2007, players’ representatives and the rights holders the executive board of the ICC will decide over this at its next meeting. With the increase in the number of teams, the playing format will be of four groups of four teams each. Two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super Eight stage instead of the present Super Six.’’ The duration of the tournament would then be of 40 days, in which 42 games will be played.

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ICC chief Ehsan Mani explained further, saying, ‘‘We will have no negotiations over money matters with the players. That power will continue to be entrusted with the respective cricket boards.’’

On the widely-debated issue of the current structure and volume of international cricket, Speed said that the present formula appears correct. Elaborating on the issue, Mani said, ‘‘Both the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards are keen on resumption of the ties and even the Pakistan government has welcomed the move. Now it is up to the BCCI and the Indian government to take the issue ahead.’’

The Cricket Committee – Playing (headed by Sunil Gavaskar) had recommended that the practice of referring bowlers with suspect actions to their home boards before the matter again came to the ICC be done away with, the CC-M said that they had decided to stick to the prevalent system. ‘‘The CC-M feels the game is better served by staying with the two-stage process. The CC-P recommendation will, however, be reviewed next year,’’ Speed said.

The CC-M has also proposed that an umpires’ coach and a high performance manager for umpires and two additional umpires’ ‘assessors’ to assist in the training and development of the elite umpires be put in place.

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