Players agreed to fixtures, says Mali

"If the players feel that the fixtures are too tight, their representatives can talk to us" © International Cricket Council

Ray Mali, the acting president of the ICC, has rejected the charge of too much cricket, saying that the players were involved in the formulation of the international calendar.

"Players are part of the formulation of cricket fixtures. Their representatives have already agreed to the fixtures," said Mali, who was recently appointed as the successor to the late Percy Sonn.

Mali indicated that the ICC had not received any complaints from international players. "If the players feel that the fixtures are too tight, their representatives can talk to us. We have not received any official complaint so far."

The South African administrator also dismissed the idea that the shorter formats of the game had led to a decline in the quality of Test cricket, and in fact suggested that the influence of ODIs have enhanced Test cricket. "Now you see teams scoring 360-370 in a day. The shorter version of the game has done a lot for Test cricket."

Talking about cricket in Zimbabwe, Mali said there was no dearth of talent. "It rests with the ICC to assist them and expose them to quality cricket," he said. "They themselves opted out of playing Test cricket ... they will get back to us in November with a decision."

Mali also stressed that any form of corruption in the game would not be tolerated. Defining his role, he said his job was to provide "visionary leadership". "There must be consultative leadership, which at the same time must be decisive for the game to be able to move forward."

Mali informed that the executive board of the ICC will meet on June 29.