Lanka to hit ICC veto plan for a six
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Executive Committee will meet tomorrow to take what is described as one of the most crucial decisions in its history.
Ex-co members will take a decision on the controversial proposals presented by the ‘working committee’ of the ICC to make sweeping changes to the administration and financial control of the world governing body.
The Lankan ‘Big Two’ – President Jayantha Dharmadasa and Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga – the main players of this vital episode of Lankan off the field cricket history.
Seemingly the Lankans who joined South Africa and Pakistan in calling for a postponement of a decision on the proposal will stand by their original decision to oppose it, the Sunday Times learns.
SLC treasurer Nuski Mohammed who was a member of the Lankan delegation along with President Jayantha Dharmadasa and Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga at the Dubai meeting told the Sunday Times yesterday, “We did not have the time to explain the intricacies of the matter to the Lankan executive committee. We retuned on Thursday, but, prior to our return we set up a meeting of the executive committee for Friday. However, by Friday afternoon we received the latest version of the proposals (which were not given to the executive committee) and we did not arrive at any decision.”
Mohammed said, “Before we arrive at any decisions, we have to study the implications and the intricacies involved in the matter. We are hoping to apprise the sports minister and even higher authorities and explain to them the implications. Besides, we also have to see what legal implications are also involved. This is the same stand that South Africa and Pakistan have taken so far. We are working on it this weekend. Time constraint is the biggest factor. We have to arrive at a decision by February 8.”
However another insider asked how the membership or the Ex-co could even comprehend such a serious issue in such a short time. He also pointed out even if we agree to a given set of proposals, what would prevent the threesome of India, England and Australia from changing the rules or going back on their word once they receive the veto powers.
“Anyway then we would be second class members at the mercy of the ‘Big Three’. Could we put at stake everything that we have strived for to bring the game of cricket to this level internationally?” he asked.
The first set of changes to the original proposals:
1. Original proposal: Two-tiers with promotion and relegation of Nos 9 &10 ranked team, with BCCI, CA & ECB (the cricket boards of India, Australia and England) exempt from relegation.
Amended proposal: There will be an opportunity for all Members to play all formats of cricket on merit, with participation based on meritocracy; no immunity to any country, and no change to membership status.
2. Original proposal: Creation of a Test Cricket fund to be distributed among BCB, ZC, NZC, SLC, PCB and WICB.
Amended proposal: Test Cricket fund money to be available to South Africa as well.
3. Original proposal: An Executive Committee (Ex-Co) to have four members, including three permanent representatives from CA, BCCI and ECB which among them would share an annual rotating chairmanship.
Amended proposal: The establishment of an Ex-Co and Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) to provide leadership at an operational level, with five members, including BCCI, CA and ECB representatives.