ICC Trophy: Costs vs. Countries - ICC tries to help all

The International Cricket Council, in its role as guardian of the future of cricket globally is frequently confronted with dilemmas as to how best serve the interests of our sport as it expands across the globe.

The future of the ICC Trophy is one such quandry as the number of Associate members steadily rises, therefore increasing the expenses related to its staging.

A facsimile received by 'Beyond The Test World' shows just what a difficult job the International Cricket Council has in its efforts to balance financial concerns with its desire to do what is best in partnership with its Associate members.

The fax, signed by ICC Finance & Development Committee Chairman, Ehsan Mani, in regard to next year's edition of the ICC Trophy in Toronto, Canada, could not provide a better picture of the factors the various components of the ICC must grapple with in formulating policy.

The fax also illustrates that the ICC is keen to make a decision which is harmonious to the needs of the ICC's Associate countries and involves their consultation.

The document firstly confirms "that there are two issues that need to be addressed by the Executive Board in the first place and ultimately by the members. These are the funding of the event and the benefit of holding the event in the proposed format."

The facsimile referred to the last meeting of the Executive Board in Dubai where a board member "advised that the number of matches should be reduced considerably. The Associate Members on the Executive Board, on the other hand, felt quite strongly that all countries should be given the opportunity to participate."

Regarding the format of the event, Mr. Mani wrote -
"The points to be decided are:
*The number of participants
*Selection of participants
*The number of matches to be played

This is initially a matter for the Associate Members together with the ICC Development Committee to discuss and make recommendations to tbe board."

Mr. Mani also listed "The principal points to be agreed" regarding funding.

These included whether "participating countries pay an 'entry fee' as in previous years to cover some of the accomodation costs."

The entry fee aspect is not new and a factor Associate members are well aware of.

The facsimile concluded "The Finance and Marketing Committee is looking to the Associate Members on the Executive Board for guidance on this before making its recommendation to tbe board.

With kind regards, Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Ehsan Mani"

The last paragraph demonstrates just how importantly the ICC considers the views of its members and is in keeping with the general tone of the fax.

It should also be reiterated that no firm decision has been made and this facsimile merely raises issues of concern.