ICC position in relation to the development of cricket in the USA

The ICC today clarified its position on the development of the game in the USA.

New ICC President Ehsan Mani said that there was some chance of the USA hosting matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 but that there were many hurdles to be overcome before this could occur.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, being hosted by the West Indies, may see some games being played in the United States," said Mr Mani.

"There is still much work to be done and many hurdles to be overcome before this could happen."

These hurdles include significant logistical, commercial and development issues.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed added to these comments saying the ICC was realistic about the difficulties of developing cricket in the USA but that with careful management it offered an opportunity to build on the 10 000 senior players in the country.

"America is one of the top three Associates members of the ICC in terms of senior players and we would like to see them challenging for a place in the World Cup.

"The ICC Board is looking at ways that the development of the game in America can be advanced but is very realistic about the task ahead and does not see cricket challenging the major established sports in America.

"With the number of people playing the game there, cricket has a foothold and if we are able to manage it sensibly, the game could become a successful niche sport which would be of great benefit to the game globally.

"Having said all this, we are very much at the beginning of this whole process. The ICC Executive Board has asked management to prepare a detailed paper on the USA and it must receive the full backing of all ICC Members before we can proceed.

"The reality is that we are talking years not months before the benefits of any program would be realised."

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