ICC is highly ineffective, says ACA

Fuming after L Sivaramakrishnan’s appointment as a players’ representative in the International Cricket Council, the Australian players’ union has called the ICC the “most ineffective governing body in world sport”.

“It’s a really sad day for cricket,” Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) CEO Paul Marsh was quoted as saying by ‘The Australian’.

“This issue encapsulates all that’s wrong with cricket at the moment. The irony of the situation is the ICC is supposed to be the body that upholds all those ethical standards that it asks of the players,” he added.

The furore was caused after allegations that BCCI forced a re-vote to get Sivaramakrishnan appointed on the ICC Cricket Committee after May won the initial vote 9-1.

“From a players’ perspective, we are very angry and we want the ICC to act. But to be honest with you, I’m pessimistic that it will do so,” Marsh said.

“The ICC is the most ineffective governing body in world sport. I don’t think any of the boards are strong enough to stand up to India. So in many respects it rests with the players,” he added.

He did not rule out industrial action against the move after consulting the players.
“I hope from the players’ point of view that this is a tipping point.”

The Federation of International Cricketers Association, of which May is the CEO, has already expressed its anger over Sivaramakrishnan’s appointment. “This is a sad indictment on an organisation carrying a mandate to provide an effective framework for the management of the global game,” FICA President Jimmy Adams has said.