On the eve of the meeting, the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC), Chairman Shashank Manohar on Wednesday revealed that he is following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI), latest ‘developments’ and the Supreme Court’s hearings for the major cricketing reforms in the country.
“I have of course been following developments in regard to the BCCI and the decision of the Indian Supreme Court and will continue to do so over the following weeks,” Manohar said in a column for ICC’s website.
It’s pertinent to mention that Manohar has stated bilateral series are decided by the respective boards of different countries while hinting India-Pakistan can engage in bilateral ties on their own for what ICC can’t impose any sort of external pressure.
“The rights to bilateral international cricket are not owned by the ICC. These rights vest in the respective Boards. Thus it is not for us to impose a structure on the members,” Manohar revealed.
Following the major overhauling, on January 30, the apex body has announced the four-member panel that will be headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Vinod Rai on the interim basis to present the status report following the implementation of Lodha Panel reforms.
“India is a vitally important member of the ICC and contrary to some reports. I believe a strong BCCI based on solid governance foundations is good for cricket,” Manohar added.
The former BCCI chief Manohar termed the India has played a significant role as a member in the ICC meetings.
“India is a nation that others look up to and it can play such an important role in the opportunity we have with other full members to grow the global game. The ICC will continue to work closely with the BCCI administration and provide any support necessary,” Manohar opined.
However, a three-member team including BCCI’s acting Join Secretary Amitabh Choudhury Treasurer Anirudh Choudhary and renowned banker Vikram Limaye will be participating in the ICC meeting which is scheduled for tomorrow in Dubai.
“My vision is to ensure the sport has strong governance, finance, corporate and cricketing structures that support all of our members and decisions are taken for the long term benefit of the sport from the largest nation to the smallest,” Manohar expressed.
Manohar reiterated the cricket body is looking forward to promoting all three formats of the game while giving an equal opportunity to its respective members in the foreseeable future and many resolutions would be taken into consideration in this week’s ICC meeting.
“We have had a working group in place for the last twelve months and it has been carrying out a complete review of the 2014 resolutions and constitutional changes,” Manohar remarked.
Manohar is hopeful to achieve desired results for the year 2017 while discussing the matters with colleagues in ICC’s board meeting.