ICC meeting: New proposal for ICC Trophy qualification as Andrew Eade is confirmed as new ICC Development Officer

As predicted in the May 16 edition of BTTW, New Zealander Andrew Eade has been chosen by the ICC to succeed Ross Turner as its Global Development Manager.

Mr. Eade's appointment heads the news emanating out of last week's meetings.

The other major issues:

• The first seven teams in next year's ICC Trophy will automatically qualify for the next Trophy under a plan to be forwarded to tbe ICC's Executive Committee. The proposal, made by outgoing ICC Europe Development Officer, Nigel Laughton, would see the top seven joined by one qualifier from each of the five Development regions.

• The qualification rules were broadened to allow players to qualify by citizenship through parentage, provided these players were already integrated in the cricketing network of the respective countries. This to avoid the possibility of last minute "ringers" being fielded.
• Hong Kong was granted special dispensation to field permanent residents as citizens in ICC approved tournaments
• Malaysia's Tunku Imran was elected Chairman of the Associates, succeeding Kenyan, Jimmy Rayani
• There was discussion about Full Members, Zimbabwe and New Zealand, receiving funds from the Development Programme
• Confirmation that the next ICC Americas Development Officer will be based in Toronto, Canada.

It is understood that the Americas Development Officer will be appointed in August.

In the 'Did I Really Say That' Department, BTTW pleads guilty to misinforming you on the Caymans' Associate Membership application. BTTW, too, had heard the application could not proceed without the prerequisit inspection but was later told otherwise. Sorry!