PCB, CSA deny being part of 'unanimous support' to ICC revamp

The Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket South Africa have refuted the ICC's claim that a radical plan to alter power equations in favour of India, England and Australia was "unanimously supported" by the governing body's members.

In a statement issued after the International Cricket Council’s Board meeting in Dubai, the PCB said no decision was taken with regard to proposed changes in the ICC's power structure as per the 'Position Paper' submitted by the cricket boards of India, Australia and England.

"The PCB clearly stated at the meeting that the guiding principles were subject to PCB's Governing Board's approval. These matters will be placed before the BOG and thereafter PCB will take its position at the next ICC Board meeting," the PCB statement read.

Cricket South Africa, one of the first to oppose the proposed revamp of the ICC's administrative structure, also denied the governing body's claim that there was "unanimous support" for "key principles" of the plan, which would cede executive decision-making to India, Australia and England.

"The support is subject to the approval of the respective Boards of the member countries after which a final decision will be taken at a follow-up ICC Board meeting on February 8," read a statement from CSA.

Interestingly, the ICC, in a statement after Tuesday’s proceedings at the meeting, noted that the meetings concluded in Dubai with unanimous support for a set of principles relating to the future structure, governance and financial models of the ICC which were put forward by the 'Big Three' boards.

It also stated that the board was in recognition of the need for strong leadership of the ICC, involving leading members, which will involve BCCI taking a central leadership responsibility.

ICC President Alan Isaac said: "This is an important time for world cricket and it is extremely encouraging that the ICC Board has unanimously supported a set of far-reaching principles that will underpin the long-term prosperity of the global game."

CSA president and chairman of the Board Chris Nenzani said: "We will be convening a joint session of our CSA Board and certain key stakeholders as soon as is practically possible to consider the principles.

"One of the hallmarks of our new administration has been an absolute adherence to the principles of good corporate governance and we do not intend to deviate from this. Our position will be subject to full consideration by our Board and other stakeholders.

"No further comments will be made until the CSA Board meeting."

Image: CSA president Chris Nenzani

Photograph: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images