Cricket’s administrative body decided Thursday to stage a complete review of the constitutional changes which gave the major powers and revenues to Australia, England and India two years ago.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted the changes, empowering Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the ‘Big Three’ of the game.
But the changes were opposed by some member countries which threatened a divide in the body.
The ICC Board meeting which finished here on Thursday announced there would be a review of the “Big Three” change.
“The Board has agreed to carry out a complete review of the 2014 constitutional changes with a view to establishing governance, finance, corporate and cricketing structures that are appropriate and effective for the strategic role and function of the ICC and all of its members,” the ICC said in a press release.
The review has been on the cards since India’s Shashank Manohar replaced countryman Narayanaswami Srinivasan as ICC chairman last year.
“I don’t agree with the three major countries bullying the ICC,” Manohar had said last year.
The ICC said it would seek independent governance by electing a chairman who is not associated with any member board.
“In order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and to follow best practice principles of good governance, the ICC would seek to re-establish, as quickly as possible, the ‘independent’ position of ICC chairman,” ICC said.
That will be done by electing a new chairman in the June 2016 meeting, it said.
“While in the office, the ICC chairman will not be allowed to hold any post with any member board and may be re-elected at the expiry of the term with a maximum limit of three terms.”
The ICC said all nominees must be either a past or present ICC Board director and should have the support of at least two Full Member directors.
The permanent positions of “Big Three” in the executive and finance committees are also removed.
“The Board agreed to approve changes to the terms of reference of the Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee and Executive Committee so as to remove the permanent positions for the nominees of India, Australia and England,” said the ICC.
Manohar said the ICC was seeking improved governance.
“The decisions taken clearly reflect that we collectively want to improve the governance in a transparent manner, not only of the ICC but also the Member Boards,” he said.
“This, in turn, will enhance the image and quality of the sport. No member of the ICC is bigger than the other.”
ICC also announced the constitution of a oversight group to further its fight against corruption in the game, which will also include former Indian great Rahul Dravid.
“The group will meet once a year to review and provide independent input into the strategy adopted by the sport to tackle corruption,” the ICC said.
The ICC Board also reinstated Sri Lanka’s membership which was suspended after alleged involvement by the government, a breach under ICC’s constitution.
Source: The Daily Star
