SA requests ICC to withdraw 'flawed' power structure plan

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 boardroom and on the field.

The official response of CSA to the draft proposal follows a weekend joint session of CSA's Board of Directors and the Members' Forum.

"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"In the circumstances we propose that the draft proposal be withdrawn immediately given that the proper procedures have not been followed.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 CSA has shared a rather tense relationship with the BCCI over the appointment of Haroon Lorgat as its CEO.

Lorgat, during his stint as the ICC's CEO, had confrontations with the BCCI over some issues related to rules of the game, most notably the Decision Review System.