South Africa wants ICC to withdraw controversial proposal

Johannesbuurg, Jan 21 (IANS/CMC) Cricket South Africa (CSA) has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withdraw the draft proposal that would put control of international cricket in the hands of India, England and Australia.

CSA has become the first national board to appeal for a withdrawal even as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) meets in emergency session to discuss the proposals that could have devastating consequences for the Caribbean cricket.

The proposed changes are contained in a working paper for a revamped ICC which will come before members as early as the quarterly meeting in Dubai Jan 28-29.

"In the circumstances, we propose that the draft proposal be withdrawn immediately, given that the proper procedures have not been followed," said CSA in a statement written by Chris Nenzani, president and board chairman, directed to ICC president Alan Isaac.

"In our respectful opinion, a more considered, inclusive/consultative, and properly, constitutionally ordained approach is required."

The ICC working paper is proposing that Test cricket is played under a two-tiered system in which England, India and Australia will not be demoted while teams like the West Indies and New Zealand would find themselves in the second tier.

Some officials and commentators have been labelling the move as a planned hostile takeover of three full members.

"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," Nenzani said.

"The draft proposal is, therefore, fundamentally flawed as regards the process and, therefore, in breach of the ICC constitution."

Among those criticising the move is former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe.

--IANS/CMC

bs/vt