Cricket’s ‘Big Three’ to see powers reduced by ICC

Cricket’s ‘Big Three’ to see powers reduced by ICC

Published: Guardian
Friday, February 5, 2016
DUBAI—The power of India, Australia, and England in world cricket is set to be reduced as part of wide-ranging reform measures by the sport’s governing body to improve its image.

“No member of the ICC is bigger than the other,” ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said following a meeting of the International Cricket Council board in Dubai yesterday.

The board agreed to approve changes that would remove the permanent positions for officials from India, Australia, and England in the executive committee and financial committee.

In a statement, the ICC said there will be a “complete review” of the constitution drawn up in 2014 that favoured the so-called “Big Three” in world cricket, “with a view to establishing governance, finance, corporate and cricketing structures that are appropriate and effective for the strategic role and function of the ICC and all of its members.”

It was proposed that a new ICC chairman will be elected by the board on a two-year term starting in June, in a process overseen by an independent audit committee. While in office, the chairman “will not be allowed to hold any post with any member board,” and can be re-elected for a maximum limit of three terms.

“We had very purposeful and positive meetings, and the decisions taken clearly reflect that we collectively want to improve the governance in a transparent manner, not only of the ICC but also the member boards,” Manohar said. “This, in turn, will enhance the image and quality of the sport.”

The ICC also announced that Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership has been reinstated in full following elections in the country.

chop it down

This an extremely positive move for the ICC, if executed properly. The Big Three concept was extremely detrimental to the growth of the game, and it made Cricket an exclusive club shafting the "lesser" nations like West Indies and Sri Lanka out. The Associates were the biggest losers in this as their budget which was already meager was cut further. I am hoping that things get better from here on. But another problem they still haven't said anything about is the 10-team world cup.