adminJOHANNESBURG. — Cricket South Africa president Chris Nenzani has denied he and his board “sold out” by agreeing to the controversial reform of the International Cricket Council that effectively put India, England and Australia in charge of the game. The “Big Three” will receive the largest share of the ICC’s revenue and hold key posts in the administration — including chairman of the board and chairman of the newly formed executive committee — until 2016.
The other members of the ICC are now at the mercy of the “Big Three”.
But Nenzani believes South Africa has done well out of the deal and the financial health of cricket in South Africa has been safeguarded.
“We have protected our status and rights as a full member of the ICC and the new accepted proposal has also protected the constitution of the ICC,” Nenzani said.
“Once the interim period is over, the chairmanship will be subjected to a proper democratic vote.”
Nenzani said he voted according to the Cricket SA board’s wishes.
Last Thursday, Cricket SA sent a letter to the ICC outlining a list of concerns. Nenzani said some of those concerns were addressed.
“We still have certain levels of discomfort here and there, but in its totality we felt we were in a position to vote in favour of the reforms.
“We understand it’s not perfect, but there was significant movement in the reform proposals from where they were to where they are now.
“The first proposal talked about the chairmanship of the ICC, finance and commercial affairs committee and the new executive committee being held permanently by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia.
“The new proposal says there will be elections for these positions involving all member countries after 2016,” Nenzani said. — AFP.
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