Sir John World Power Broker (27 June 1997)

27 June 1997

Sir John World Power Broker

by Geoff Longley

In New Zealand Cricket, board chairman Sir John Anderson keeps a low profile; at International Cricket Council level he is already regarded as a power broker.

Sir John has been charged with chairing an ICC committee investigating a much-discussed world championship of test cricket and all facets of the international tours programme.

NZC chief executive Chris Doig said Sir John's elevation to control such a significant decision-making group was testimony to the regard with which he is already held at world level.

The National Bank chairman, who is Wellington based, is rarely heard from in New Zealand as he lets the executive staff run the sport from its Christchurch headquarters.

Already however in his short term as chairman, having taken over from Peter McDermott less than two years ago, he has been a pivotal player in the politics-riddled international scene.

Doig said Sir John's latest assignment, while it appeared a daunting one attempting to harness the diverse interests of various countries, was a "cake-walk" compared to the role he played in resolving the recent ICC chairmanship wrangle which had threatened to split the sport. He has also overhauled the whole ICC constitution, making it more meaningful.

Doig said the recently concluded ICC annual meeting was the most positive and harmonious of the three he had attended.

He said there was a feeling now that the game was making sustained progress after continually being hamstrung by selfinterest and driven by the major powers.

"It's all to New Zealand's good that Sir John is so highly regarded. We are seen as relatively neutral on the international scene.

"He is very intelligent and works through the issues involved in a consistent, logical manner."

Doig said it had enabled ICC secretary, Australian David Richards, a most capable administrator, a forum to implement policies and operate more effectively.

New Zealand is well represented now on several international forums with NZC operations manager John Reid on the playing side of a world cricket committee while Doig is on The Management section. Sir John, apart from his new role, is also on the ICC's executive board which is the major decision-making body.

Doig said New Zealand was being taken most seriously at ICC level given the changes made to the sport here administratively and also on the playing field.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz)