Alan Isaac wants IPL window in FTP

Alan Isaac, the candidate who replaced John Howard as Australia and New Zealand's nominee for the ICC vice-presidency, has supported the creation of a window in the Future Tour Programme for the IPL. The ICC had earlier ruled out accommodating lucrative Twenty20 leagues in the already cramped international calendar, but Isaac said that was likely to change as the ICC's sub-committee is working on remodelling the FTP.

''The Future Tours Program has to allow the IPL, because unless it is accommodated we will end up with more challenges,'' Isaac told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''There will be more pressure put around the scheduling of ICC events [such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy], and those ICC events are so critical to members because of the revenue generated.

"It has to be worked into the Future Tours Program because there is a demand and an interest. The players seem to like it, and there is more money coming into the game. 'The sub-committee work is being done on that basis [that the IPL will be part of the FTP].''

Isaac, the New Zealand Cricket chairman, replaced former Australia prime minister John Howard as the ICC vice-president nominee following Cricket Australia's refusal to choose another candidate. Howard's nomination was blocked last month in Singapore by members from six countries. After being told by the ICC board to find another option by August 31, New Zealand asked Sir John Anderson, the country's original recommendation, to reconsider. When Anderson refused Isaac, 58, stepped forward.

Isaac said Anderson's decision to decline contesting was unexpected. ''He shocked me when he said he wasn't available, then encouraged me to make myself available,'' Isaac said. ''That was the first time I started thinking about the role. I don't see myself as second or third choice, ultimately I will be judged on the work that is done.''

Isaac conceded that the ICC has had its share of criticism on the way it works and how certain powerful members like India have got their way. He said India have a very significant role to play in the game's governing body in terms of the revenue they generate.

''I think one of the most important things is that we work to enhance the reputation of the ICC,'' Isaac said. ''The media are quite critical of it, sometimes justifiably, and lots of decisions it makes get criticised. Each member around the table has got their own issues and agendas, I understand that, it is about leading everyone in a common direction.

''There is no doubt [India] are powerful, that is a matter of fact. When the ICC sells its commercial rights a lot of that comes from India, that is the commercial reality and we have got to recognise that. The Indian officials I have dealt with in my 20 months at the ICC have been really good to work with, there are no issues at all.''