Dainty upbeat about USA's future

Gladstone Dainty, the president of the USACA, told the association's annual general meeting in New York that there was no truth the ICC were reviewing the operation of USACA and that there was any question of another suspension.

Dainty, speaking under the watchful eyes of Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, and IS Bindra, the ICC's special advisor, insisted the the ICC was "happy we are all getting along" and that there was a general air of stability. Behind the scenes, the ICC are believed to be concerned that almost one year after the implementation of a new constitution and fresh elections, the post of chief executive remains unfilled.

Dainty, however, said that the ICC appreciated that the process could not be hurried and that 41 applications had been received of which 20 were considered to be credible. Five had been asked to interview and the appointment would be announced after that.

The question of how the full-time CEO would be paid for also arose, with John Thickett, the USACA treasurer, admitting the organisation was far from well off. The post would be covered from increased ICC funding and other local initiatives.

Thickett added that third parties had approached USACA with a view to staging international matches in the USA and these proposals were being examined.

Speaking on behalf of the ICC, Martin Viera, the Americas development officer, called on the US to up its expansion of the game as it compared unfavourably with Canada and Bermuda. He concluded by urging USACA to explore non-ICC funding options including government and corporate funding.