Dubai: The two-day International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting, which concluded in Dubai on Wednesday, has backed increase in the number of domestic Twenty20 leagues around the world.
At a time when questions are being asked on the overkill of the Twenty20 competitions, the ICC Board has concluded that domestic Twenty20 leagues can add value to the game as a whole and that further deliberations should be aimed at the growth and sustainability of international cricket by attaining co-existence between domestic T20 leagues and the international game.
Speaking after the ICC Board meeting in Dubai, David Richardson, the ICC Chief Executive, said: “Domestic Twenty20 leagues have provided so many opportunities for players and officials alike as well as entertaining large domestic crowds. A workable and balanced international playing calendar is key to the sustainability of the game.”
Richardson also appealed to guard cricket against corruption in these matches. “We also need to ensure that cricket is played in a corruption-free environment. The ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is doing some great work in this regard. All Boards should be complimented on the progress they have made in putting their own anti-corruption resources in place but this is only the first step. Effective implementation of appropriate programmes and processes together with the timely and effective investigation and prosecution of all reported incidents is also crucial,” he added.
The Board has decided to combat the legal, financial and practical issues facing Member Boards and the ICC in relation to “online piracy” (illegal and unauthorised streaming of broadcast footage over the internet) and other intellectual property rights infringements in the form of “digital ambush marketing” (online trade mark or other intellectual property infringement, unauthorised mobile applications/SMS activations etc.). An updated strategy will be further developed in time for future ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and ICC Board meetings.
