Sri Lanka write to ICC questioning legality of 'Big Three' proposal

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Jayantha Dharmadasa has written a letter to the ICC questioning the legality of the changes proposed in the 'Position Paper' for cricket's global revenue sharing and governance model. (Also read: Sri Lanka reject ICC revamp plans)

In a letter sent to ICC's head of legal affairs Iain Higgins on Wednesday, Dharmadasa said major transformation proposed by cricket boards from India, Australia and England in the world body's functioning are against the ICC laws. (N Srinivasan defends India's money-minded approach in ICC revamp)

"Sri Lanka Cricket has received legal advice from its Legal Advisory Committee to the effect that these purported 'Resolutions' are in fact not valid resolutions in law," Dharmadasa wrote in the letter, as quoted in ESPNcricinfo. (India, England and Australia close to becoming 'Big Three')

"Pursuant to your invitation for us to contact you in the event of us having issue with the same, we write to seek clarification from you, as Head of Legal of the ICC. (PCB's income could double if they accept ICC revamp)

"In any event, as Head of Legal of the ICC, you are duty bound to ensure that any Purported Resolutions that are placed before the Members are done in accord with the constitutional documents of the ICC, and we would in that context request that you furnish us with the clarifications requested below as a matter of extreme urgency." (Pakistan Cricket Board told to oppose 'Big Three' proposal)

The letter was written after a special meeting of the SLC stakeholders voted unanimously against the revised proposals presented to the ICC directors. Pakistan and South Africa, too, have each raised formal objections to the proposals.

The communication states that the revenue model based upon a "contribution" calculation defies the ICC constitution's expectation of equal sharing of revenue from ICC events. ICC's Memorandum of Association features established provisions around the distribution of funds to members, it adds. The letter also raises question ExCo board with three permanent members from India, England and Australia and the new FTP. (India deserve lion's share in ICC revenue: Cricket Australia)

"The purported Resolutions seek to impose wide changes to the FTP, essentially by doing away with the current FTP Scheme and permitting the individual Boards to contract with each other," Dharmadasa wrote. (CSA to not compromise on integrity over ICC revamp plans)

"You would be aware that contracts that have already been entered into by individual Members on the basis of the existing ICC Executive Board approved FTP, including Sponsorship Contracts and Broadcasting Contracts for which such Members have committed and already received monies.

"We seek confirmation that you have considered the legality of this, and have advised the ICC of its potential liability to indemnify any Members that may be caused loss and damage in this regard." (India-driven ICC revamp plans on tenterhooks as Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka play hardball)