Media Release - 18 October 2005

Briefing Material for Media

ICC Meeting in Sydney - PCB Chairman's comments

For me, the most significant development at the ICC Conference in Sydney was the concern and solidarity of ICC Members over the earthquake disaster in Northern Pakistan. ICC contributed half a million US dollars and Cricket Australia dedicated the Second Day (15th October) of the Super Series Test to Earthquake Relief. A free telethon was held on 15th October in which people throughout Australia were able to phone in their contributions to the Relief Fund. ICC did consider a limited over Earthquake Relief Match between Australia and the World XI gathered in Sydney but as players from South Africa and New Zealand would not be available as also the fact that sponsors and TV companies would not have the time to announce their campaigns, it was agreed that a larger contribution for the relief effort would be achieved by dedicating the second day of the Super Test. Prime Minister John Howard made a special reference to the Earthquake disaster during a reception for ICC Members and Channel-9 and Cricket Australia as we'll as Channel-9 will be sending their contribution from the Appeal directly to Pakistan.

During a telephone discussion with ACC President Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya an ACC sponsored Earthquake Relief Match was considered. We agreed to examine possible dates for an international match in the next few days.

Altogether the international response from the cricket playing countries to earthquake relief has been magnanimous. ICC has contributed half a million US dollars, PCB and ECB have agreed to dedicate the entire gate money of first ODI between Pakistan and England at Lahore for Earthquake Relief. PCB expects to generate a minimum of Rs. 20 Million from the event.

Cricket Australia and Channel 9 have dedicated the 2nd Day (Saturday 15th October) of the Super Test Match as their contribution to the Relief Fund with widespread, free phone publicity provided by Cricket Australia. These funds are being sent to Pakistan through the Australian Red Cross.

The Afro-Asian Series will also be contributing a portion of their income towards the Fund.

With regard to the ICC agenda, the Future Tours Programme is now high priority. The existing four years circle has led to a heavily congested programme with countries squeezing in schedules, often with split tours. This has led to player injuries and staleness, playing in unseasonable weather, lowered interest by sponsors etc. We have attempted to extend the circle to 6 years in order to have sufficient gaps in touring schedules. There was a constructive discussion on FTP and a new 6 years schedule is expected to be finalized at the next ICC Executive Board Meeting in March 2006.

Among other issues, Pakistan again expressed its opposition to the new substitute's rule. This was supported by several members but it was decided that a final decision on the new rule should be made after the completion of the trial period which had about 5 months to run.

Pakistan’s proposals for better use of technology in umpiring decision has been accepted and the Super-Series is currently experimenting with increased use of television technology to assist umpires.

There was also a healthy debate on 20-20 in which some countries want their successful experiments at the national level to be accepted internationally while other countries, including Pakistan and India, advised a more cautious approach.

As regards the performance of the World XI, there is no doubt that it has been disappointing. The ICC has discussed the Super Series formula and has agreed that the Super Series formula needs to be re-assessed on an ICC calendar fixture. Incidentally, the same applies to the Afro-Asia Cup which also got off to an unimpressive start.

As regards the results of my bilateral meetings on the fringes of the ICC Conference, I had positive bilateral Meetings with Australia in which we agreed on regular 'A' level tours. With India there are no problems on the horizon for their upcoming tour in January 2006. We shall also be exchanging Academies level tours with South Africa and school-level visits with Sri Lanka.

During my stay in Sydney, I had a long chat with Shoaib Akhtar. I sought his commitment to fitness, to team spirit and to team discipline. Shoaib Akhtar committed himself unequivocally to these objectives.

Shaharyar M. Khan
Chairman, PCB

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Pakistan Cricket Board)