ICC chief executive visits Toronto for ICC Trophy negotiations

ICC Chief Executive, David Richards, paid an unexpected short visit to Toronto, Wednesday December 6, after curtailing his personal visit to the United States for a personal family celebration. David, rather than going directly through to London, graciously offered to detour through Toronto instead, and to meet with CCA officials and with Ron Aldridge, Chair of the CCA '01 organizing sub-committee.

There were far reaching official discussions regarding the ICC Trophy 2001 scheduled for June29- July 18/2001 in the Greater Toronto area, with some visiting teams expected to also visit and to play in pre-tournament games in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, for example.

After day long discussions regarding ICC/CCA Hosting Agreements, Hosting Venue and Participating Nations Agreements, it is expected that most issues shall shortly be resolved regarding all of these areas. Local solicitor, Jim Cook of the firm Black and Cook was extremely helpful in moving the legal discussions through the sessions, in concert of course, with David Richards.

The Chief Executive left Toronto immediately after the meeting to return to London. He was saddened to hear of the passing of his remarkable friend, Lord Cowdrey,of course and will most likely be in attendance at his funeral. Lord Cowdrey had been instrumental in getting the Chief Executive on board at ICC.

We again thank David for his vision and his passion for cricket development. He of course still does not give an inch in negotiationfuneral or no funeral!

Thanks David for taking the time out to visit with us in Toronto.