Pragmatic approach needed to solve cricket crisis

The ongoing dispute between the International Cricket Council and the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations over player contracts will have a serious impact on the future of international cricket if it is not resolved, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said today.

The TelstraClear Black Caps are not currently affected by the disagreement over player contracts and have signed ICC contracts for the ICC Champions Trophy. However, New Zealand players will eventually become caught up in the issue if it is not resolved.

"The issue is a crisis and all parties need to do more to resolve it," Mr Snedden said.

"If the issue is not resolved it will have serious consequences for the ICC, its member nations and players.

"There have been mistakes made and there are genuine issues affecting all parties. This is not a time to apportion blame. It is the time to find a pragmatic solution before the crisis results in serious financial consequences for all parties," Mr Snedden said.

"The ICC was authorised by its member boards to enter into an agreement with Global Cricket Corporation giving Global Cricket Corporation wide-ranging commercial rights to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2004 and the World Cup in 2003 and 2007 including some player commercial rights.

"The Global Cricket Corporation deal is worth US $550m and that money is crucial to the finances of the ICC and its members.

"If the ICC cannot deliver on the agreement and Global Cricket Corporation looks to pull out as a result each member country would lose millions of dollars in revenue.

"In New Zealand Cricket's case approximately 30% to 35% of our forecast income for the next five years would be lost and that would have a huge impact on all aspects of cricket in New Zealand including player payments," Mr Snedden said.

Mr Snedden is meeting with ICC chief executives in Tobago next week and this issue will be at the top of the agenda.