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MUMBAI:
The two-day ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) meeting
concluded in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (20
February) with several recommendations to be made to the ICC
Board at its next meeting in March.
ICC
Cricket World Cup 2011 format: The CEC will recommend
that the ICC Board approve a 14-team format for the next ICC
Cricket World Cup which will take place in India, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2011.
The
suggested new format involves two groups of seven teams with
the top four from each group progressing to a knock-out phase
that includes quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. The
new format, if approved by the ICC Board, would last 38 days,
significantly shorter than the previous CWC in 2007.
Indian
Premier League (IPL): A discussion of several issues relating
to the IPL took place. The Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) confirmed that international commitments would
always take priority over IPL. No-objection certificates will
be required from respective member boards as a condition of
all players’ participation.
The
ICC adds that there has been media speculation about creating
a window within the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for IPL matches.
The FTP is in place until 2012 and there was no suggestion
by the BCCI that such a window should be considered or created
prior to that.
The
ICC will consult with the BCCI to ensure that anti-corruption
and anti-doping processes are put in place for the IPL and
that a code of ethics be established for the owners of the
teams.
ICC
CEO Malcolm Speed says, “The members were pleased to
receive very clear and unconditional commitment from the BCCI
that international matches would be give absolute priority
over IPL commitments. There has been plenty of speculation
about the impact that IPL will have on the world game. The
other ICC members are supportive of the BCCI, and will carefully
evaluate the first year of the IPL and its wider impact on
the game in other parts of the world”.
Concern
was expressed by some countries about unofficial cricket events,
such as the Indian Cricket League (ICL).
At
the CEC meeting, members confirmed they did not recognise
ICL and would not grant permission for their players to take
part in it.
Greater
use of technology by umpires: The CEC unanimously approved
a proposal prepared by ICC management on the greater use of
technology in decision-making. This proposal, which was drawn
up following directions from the ICC Cricket Committee, suggests
the trialling of an “umpire decision review system”
during a test series.
The
ICC Board will consider this proposal at its March meeting
before any trial will be approved and arranged. If the trial
is given the go-ahead by the board, detailed playing conditions
will be developed in consultation with the ICC Cricket Committee.
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