International Cricket Council revamp: Why take views of former skippers now, Arjuna Ranatunga taunts Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket said its Executive Committee on Wednesday discussed the issue in a meeting with all stakeholders, former captains, past presidents and secretaries of SLC and Sports Ministry representative and decided to oppose the International Cricket Council's Revised Working Group Proposals.
Former Test captain Arjuna Ranatunga decided to skip the Sri Lanka Cricket's meet on Wednesday that deliberated upon International Cricket Council's new revamp plans, which could give India, England and Australia virtually unilateral control of world cricket, according to a leading Sri Lankan newspaper. (N Srinivasan defends India's money-minded approach in ICC revamp)
Sri Lanka Cricket had earlier this week called former board officials and previous captains for a briefing on the revised position paper forwarded by the ICC. Sri Lankan cricket bosses on Wednesday decided to oppose the India-led proposals that subtly aim to put the administration of the ICC in the hands of BCCI, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board. (India, England and Australia close to becoming 'Big Three')
The 1996 World Cup winner complained that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board never paid attention to the thoughts of past captains previously and expressed surprise over their decision to take their heed at this juncture. (PCB's income could double if they accept ICC revamp)
"Cricket board never gives a hearing to what the past captains say. They hardly listen to us. Then why are they all of a sudden interested now to get our viewpoints? Did SLC consult past captains when they put up stadiums that have created the current financial crisis of the board?" Ranatunga is quoted as saying in The Island. (Pakistan Cricket Board told to oppose 'Big Three' proposal)
Ranatunga alleged that the Board only wanted to use veteran players as dupe to convince the sports' governing body that the Sri Lankans are against the overhaul move. (India-driven ICC revamp plans on tenterhooks as Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka play hardball)
"They want to use us as the cat's paw and tell the three boards (Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board and Board of Control for Cricket in India) that our past captains and stakeholders don't want us to agree to the proposed draft," he said.
The 50-year-old also criticized SLC's Executive Committee and the board president.
"Why can't the Executive Committee take a decision and say that we are against this move. SLC has asked the ICC for a loan and if the ICC agrees to provide the loan, will SLC agree to the proposed draft? We have a president who can't take responsibility. The Ex-Co has no confidence in the president and the president should step down," said the former Sri Lankan captain.
Several boards have reversed their decision to support the ICC's 'Big Three' move after initially offering support. Apart from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa are also opposing the proposals.