The ICC 'cannot interfere in internal running of the sport'

Dubai: Following allegations that the International Cricket Council did not intervene to help solve the issue, Malcolm Speed, the ICC Chief Executive, explained his stance.

"The ICC is responsible for the administration of international cricket and the development of the game around the world," Speed told Gulf News.

"We provide significant funding to our members who are then responsible for running the sport in their territories."

Elaborating on the extent of intereference Speed said: "The ICC's mandate does not encompass running the affairs of the sport within its member countries.

"The ICC has 96 members and they are all responsible for running the sport in their territory.

Expressing his disappointment over the incident, Speed said: "It is always disappointing when a cricket ground closes, wherever it is in the world".

When asked whether the ICC can provide any assistance, Speed said: "The ICC provides significant financial support to all of its members. This is delivered through regional bodies to the individual members, in the UAE's case this is the Asian Cricket Council".