Canadian authorities told to 'shape up'

Less than three months after their impressive performance in the World Cup, Canadian cricket has been threatened with expulsion from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) high-performance programme. The Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) has been given six months to shape up or risk losing vital funding.

The ongoing friction between the CCA and ICC came to a head earlier this month following a visit to Toronto by the ICC's Bob Woolmer. Woolmer described the trip as "a waste of time", as the CCA had made no arrangements for him to meet with potential sponsors.

"He was left with the impression that no progress was being made despite the outstanding performance of the players at the World Cup and that his involvement with Canada cricket was largely a waste of time," explained Andrew Eade, the ICC's development manager. "I agree with the judgment and am firmly of the opinion that until there is a substantial change in the style of the current administration of the CCA there is little chance of Canada developing under the high-performance programme."

The ICC has instructed Martin Vieira, a former Canadian international, to work with the CCA. "It's up to the CCA to come up with a plan," Vieira told the Toronto Star. "Without a plan they are going off in various directions and this is what disappointed Woolmer."

The Canadian players are equally unhappy with the situation, not least because they have yet to receive money promised to them from the World Cup. "We have just sat back and did nothing," said Joe Harris, Canada's captain. "With qualifying for the next World Cup just two years away, we do not even have a coach and the game will suffer locally. We're not cashing in on our showing in South Africa."

The ICC is thought to be unimpressed with the role played by Dr Geoff Edwards, the CCA's president. In December last year he sacked Jeff Thomas, Canada's coach, without informing the ICC even though it was paying all Thomas's costs. Thomas is suing the CCA for unfair dismissal.