ICC approves independent venues for International Cricket and penalties for fixture breakers

The ICC today responded to the impact of the global conflict by approving the use of independent match venues to stage international cricket.

"Cricket in some countries, most notably Pakistan, is in the front line of world events. We need to adopt creative solutions to support those affected and to overcome these problems. In agreeing to use independent venues the Board was totally supportive of countries affected by recent horrific events and unanimous that every effort should be made to assist them," said ICC President Malcolm Gray, speaking at the conclusion of the ICC Executive Board meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

The decision means that if a match or series cannot be played at a home venue it can be rescheduled to the opposing team's country or a neutral venue. In either case it would be regarded as a 'home' series for the original host nation.

At the same time, international cricket Boards could face penalties running into millions of dollars for deliberately ignoring obligations under the ICC's Future Tours Program. Stringent new penalties for fixture breakers will be adopted, based on the following process:

Non-complying countries will face financial penalties of at least US$2 million, which would be paid to the affected country. For Test tours, the affected country would receive two ICC Test Championship points, as though it had won the series, with the offending countries further penalised by the deduction of two points.

An ICC Disputes Resolution Committee will adjudicate contested cases. Countries would be exempt from penalties if fixtures were cancelled due to force majeure, natural disaster, war, or where the safety of players and officials was proven to be at risk. The new system will be enforced by binding contract, signed by all Member countries.

"This decision reflects the priority that world cricket has to give to protecting its calendar of fixtures. We have to be tough in protecting the integrity of the Future Tours Program from willful disruption, hence the introduction of these severe financial and points deduction penalties," explained Malcolm Gray".

Other major decisions approved at the meeting include:

*Player Discipline
To combat the deteriorating standards of player behaviour, the Board was unanimous in strengthening the power of match referees and agreed to the principle of a three or four stage disciplinary system, with set penalties for each stage.

"Improving on-field discipline is a major priority and the new system will add greatly to the authority and consistency of decision making that we will ask of match referees," confirmed Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed.

Assuming agreement of the detail at the March Executive Board meeting, it will come into effect from April 2002.

*One Day International Championship
Following the successful launch of the ICC Test Championship in May this year, the ICC has agreed in principle to the introduction of a One Day International equivalent. This will add context and greater meaning to the one day game.

Several formats and structures are being considered, with a final recommendation to be made to the March Board meeting.

*ICC KnockOut
A final decision on the venue for next September's tournament will be made by the end of February 2002. India remains the preferred venue, with Sri Lanka, Australia and the UAE as alternatives. If India does not stage the 2002 event it will be host in 2004, with England confirmed as host nation in 2006. A new structure of four groups of three will be adopted from 2002, together with a name change that will be announced at the tournament launch.

*ICC Cricket World Cup 2003
The winner of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa will receive approximately $US2.2 million, from a total prize fund of $US5 million. The tournament will feature 54 matches spread over 15 locations: 12 in South Africa, 2 in Zimbabwe and 1 in Kenya.

*Implementation of Anti-Corruption Recommendations
A detailed progress report was given for each of the 24 recommendations contained in Lord Condon's Anti-Corruption Unit report.

Five regionally based Security Managers will be employed by the ICC, rather than individual cricket boards. They will cover series played within their nominated regions of two Test playing countries.

A number of additional recommendations were also approved. These include:

*Creation of ethics committees in national teams, a move unanimously supported by Test match captains.
*Drafting of sports corruption legislation for presentation to all Full Member country governments, for consideration as part of each country's legislation.
*Appointment of an ICC Anti-Corruption Manager to co-ordinate implementation and management of recommendations.

*Umpires & Referees Panels
An ICC Umpires and Referees Manager is currently being recruited and employment contracts drawn up for appointments to both Umpires and Referees panels. Announcement of appointees will be made by the end of January 2002.

*ICC Strategic Plan
A five-year strategic plan was approved to act as a blueprint for the fast track development of the ICC into a modern, powerful world governing body. This will include greater financial resources and an anticipated doubling of staff numbers over the next 12 to 18 months.

An ICC Mission Statement that captures the aims of the organisation was adopted:

"As the international governing body for cricket, the ICC will lead by promoting the game as a global sport, protecting the spirit of cricket and optimising commercial opportunities for the benefit of the game."

*Kenya's Application for Test Status
A three man delegation compromising Zaheer Abbas, Andy Pycroft and Allan Border will visit Kenya in the near future to review the cricket related aspects of the country's application for Test match status.

In Malaysia: Mark Harrison,
ICC Communications Manager
Mobile: 00 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Room 2202, Mandarin Oriental Hotel: + 603 380 8888

In the UK: Jonathan Hemus
Countrywide Porter Novelli
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1295 224478
Mobile: 00 44 (0) 7720 277180