Sport | Cricket
Future tense for Champions Trophy
The fate of the Champions Trophy still hangs in balance with the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Chief Executives' committee and Board meetings unable to finalise the dates of the event, which had already been postponed once to October 2009.
- By K.R. Nayar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:30 September 12, 2008
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
- ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat address the press conference at the Grosvenor House hotel.
Dubai: The fate of the Champions Trophy still hangs in balance with the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Chief Executives' committee and Board meetings unable to finalise the dates of the event, which had already been postponed once to October 2009.
The Indian cricket board has apparently rejected suggestions of the ICC to stage the event next September-October, stating that it would clash with their one-day series against Australia.
"Our intention is to stage the postponed event in September-October. There are some difficulties associated with that and the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat will be consulting with those boards which has difficulties," said David Morgan, the ICC president. Asked whether the event will be held even if India pulls out, Morgan said: "There is no indication from any country that will not participate."
Matter of primacy
Lorgat revealed that there is an understanding that the Trophy has to be held 13 months from the scheduled date. "Today's meeting of the commercial arm of the ICC reaffirmed the primacy of the ICC events," said Lorgat, stressing the fact that all eight countries must make themselves available.
To a query whether ICC has the power to cancel any bilateral tournaments which clash with the Trophy dates, Morgan diplomatically said: "We have clearly stated that the ICC events as well as Future Tour Programme (FTP) events are also very important. Lorgat would engage with member boards likely to be affected by the rescheduling of the Champions Trophy and report back to the board by October."
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However, Morgan made it clear that "from the point of view our relationship with our broadcast partners and our sponsor, we have a commitment to stage the Champions Trophy in September-October 2009."
Meanwhile the CEC also discussed the report on the Umpire's Decision Review System which took place during the India-Sri Lanka Test series. "Following the feedback it has been decided to extend the trial for four forthcoming bilateral series till the next cricket committee meet in May next year," said Lorgat.
DECISIONS
- It was agreed by the ICC board that the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat would engage with member boards likely to be affected by the rescheduling of the Champions Trophy.
- The meeting reaffirmed the primacy of the Champions Trophy and it should be held in September-October in Pakistan.
- The trail on Umpires Decision Review System has been extended to four bilateral series to provide more exposure to umpires, referees and teams.
- With the current Future Tour Programme to conclude in May 2012, the concept of an alternative structure to bilateral tours, including the possibility of an enhanced Test Championship was discussed.
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