SA, Lanka, Pak oppose ICC's proposed structural change

Cricket South Africa has opposed the structural overhaul of the ICC which will cede executive decision-making to India, Australia and England, calling for an immediate withdrawal of the “fundamentally flawed” proposal.

“Cricket South Africa has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withdraw the draft proposal emanating from the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Commercial Rights working group to allow for a more consultative and Constitutionally-ordained process to take place,” the CA said in a statement.

The proposal recommends wide-ranging changes in the ICC’s revenue distribution model, administrative structure and the Future Tours Programme.

It questions the relevance of Test rankings and suggests the reinstatement of the Champions Trophy over the World Test Championship. And almost every recommendation of the “position paper” gives a larger share of control over world cricket to the Australian, English and Indian cricket boards -- both in the board room and on the field.

“Without addressing the merits of the proposal insofar as it concerns Constitutional amendments and changes to ICC competitions, these proposals should first be referred to the relevant ICC committees or sub-committees for proper consideration and to make recommendations to the ICC Board,” wrote CSA President Chris Nenzani, in a letter to ICC President Alan Isaac.

Nenzani is also chairman of the CSA Board of Directors. The letter has been copied to all full members of the ICC.

“Although there is nothing to prevent a review of the ICC funding model or finances, the proposal self-evidently is inextricably tied up with a fundamental restructuring of the ICC, which has far-reaching Constitutional implications,” he said.

“The draft proposal is, therefore, fundamentally flawed as regards the process and, therefore, in breach of the ICC Constitution.”

Nenzani requested for its immediate withdrawal to discuss a more acceptable plan.
“In the circumstances we propose that the draft proposal be withdrawn immediately given that the proper procedures have not been followed.

“In our respectful opinion, a more considered, inclusive /consultative, and properly Constitutionally-ordained approach is required,” he said.

The radical reforms is due to be put to the ICC Executive Board at its quarterly meeting in Dubai on January 28-29.

CSA's response follows that of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which confirmed on Monday it would oppose any structural overhaul of world cricket's administration.

"Chairman Zaka Ashraf has been told Pakistan should not support any such changes as it would divide the cricket world and effectively give all veto powers to India, Australia and England," a PCB governing board member told Reuters.

"The draft proposal was discussed in detail at the last governing board meeting in Lahore on Saturday and a lot of apprehension was expressed over the direction world cricket is taking."

SLC too against

Sri Lanka Cricket is also set to oppose the proposed changes. “It poses a serious challenge to Sri Lanka Cricket set-up,” Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said without elaborating. He said the SLC’s executive committee would meet in Colombo on Jan 23 to take an official stance on the proposals.