The Sunil Gavaskar-led cricket committee of International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to meet a snub from its executive committee this Sunday in London.
Most of the recommendations of the cricket committee are likely to be turned down at this annual meeting in Lord’s and surprisingly, the initiative would be at the behest of Indian cricket board.
Board secretary Niranjan Shah left for England on Thursday stating in clear terms his board wouldn’t back the startling measure proposed by Gavaskar-headed committee.
The cricket committee, including luminaries such as Gavaskar, former Australia captain Mark Taylor, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, ex-West Indian fast bowler Michael Holder, umpire Simon Taufel and chief ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle, have made some startling recommendation to ICC after a meeting in Dubai last month.
A few prominent suggestions from the committee include:
(a) changes in the Power Play regulation which would allow three men outside the circle; (b) The captain of the batting side should be allowed to choose when to opt for one of them; (c) Mandatory change of balls in ODIs after 35 overs; (d) Introduction of a free hit for the delivery after a front-foot no-ball.
Said Shah: “Too many changes actually end up confusing cricket supporters and spectators and we are not in favour of them.
“We’re open to the ide of having three men outside the circle as it’ll only encourage spinners to bowl early. But we’re against the idea of the batting captain choosing one power play as it’ll further push the game in batsman’s favour.”
“Free hits are not part of cricket and once again it’ll be too harsh on the bowlers.
“The mandatory change of ball after 35 overs will be a redundant exercise as the umpires are allowed to change the ball at any stage of the game.”
India, even with its’ shrinking power lobby, has an enormous presence in the ICC and is expected to carry the day against these recommendations.
It’s also a reflection of how Gavaskar’s base in his own country is eroding after power changed hands in the board and Jagmohan Dalmiya was displaced by present board chief Sharad Pawar.
One of the first setbacks to Gavaskar in the changed situation was his removal as chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
The Chief Executive Committee’s (CEC) agenda also includes the signing off of the playing conditions for the ICC World Twenty20 2007 and discussion on the umpiring task force proposed by the cricket committee.
The CEC comprises the chief executives of the 10 Test-play nations and three representatives from the ICC associate members. It’s chaired by the ICC’s chief executive officer, in this case Malcolm Speed.
On a different scale, the ICC board will also discuss the matter surrounding Zimbabwe and it’s possible return to Test cricket in November.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.