ICC introduces new powers to protect International Tours

Touring teams will be expected to fulfill their obligations or face a minimum $US2 million dollar penalty and possible suspension from international cricket under new powers approved by the ICC Executive Board in New Zealand over the last two days.

The powers are contained in the Future Tours Program Agreement which also provides specific conditions under which a country could withdraw from a tour without punishment including safety and security concerns or where a country's government provided clear direction not to tour.

The Board also reaffirmed its policy that countries should not be drawn into making political decisions when assessing their future tour commitments.

ICC President, Ehsan Mani, said that the meeting had the opportunity to discuss this agreement as well as providing the opportunity for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to detail its position in relation to its tour of Zimbabwe which has been the subject of much speculation.

"The Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, David Morgan, took the opportunity to address the meeting and confirmed his Board's support for the existing policy and advised that the ECB had no security concerns over Zimbabwe at this time," said Mr Mani.

"Following on from Mr Morgan's comments to his fellow directors, neither England nor any other member sought to reopen the debate of October 2002 which unanimously agreed that international cricket would not be drawn into making political judgments.

Mr Mani also said that the ICC recognised the right of governments to use sport as part of its foreign policy but that the decisions of politicians would not drive ICC policy.

"The ICC recognises that in certain circumstances, politicians may exercise their right to use sporting sanctions as a foreign policy tool. It is not something that is particularly welcome but the reality is that from time to time it does happen," said Mr Mani.

"We have seen this occur recently with India and Pakistan

"If governments take this action, their decisions will be accepted by the ICC and there would be no impact on an individual board.

"However, where there is no political will to act, the ICC believes that cricket should be able to play the positive and powerful role that international sport is capable of by allowing people from different countries and cultures to meet together on the sporting field.

"The actions or inactions of politicians do not drive the policy of the ICC.

"The adoption of these new powers by the Executive Board reflects its commitment to protecting the future tours program which is the lifeblood of international and domestic cricket around the world."

For further information:

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
International Cricket Council
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 1818
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974