ICC CEO denies reports of interference in IPL: The ICC CEO was clear in his words regarding the ICC’s stand on the IPL.
ICC (International Cricket Council) CEO Dave Richardson has denied all reports doing the rounds in the Indian media regarding the ICC wanting to interfere in the working of the Indian Premier League.
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“That is not the case. As the chief executives’ committee and the ICC board were advised over the past few days, the development of the regulations has been led by the working group, on behalf of its members, to ensure the long-term health and reputation of the sport internationally and domestically,” Richardson said in a statement.
There is no hiding to the fact that the IPL is the most opulent T20 league in the world. Other than coming good for the Indian players, it has also proved beneficial for overseas players who have been considered for their national side on the back of their IPL performance.
“We are fortunate have outstanding T20 leagues”
Richardson said that it is good fortune that there are so many outstanding T20 leagues which set high standard for operations globally. He also disclosed the ICC’s prime objective with respect to the T20 leagues.
“We are fortunate to have some outstanding T20 leagues, including the IPL, which set the gold standard for operations globally and this working group [of ICC] has taken into account those standards when developing the draft set of regulations.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that other leagues around the world put in place the same minimum criteria and operate within a consistent framework,” Richardson said.
ICC aims at defeating challenges and solving conflicts
The ICC CEO also opened up on the challenges and conflicts which these T20 leagues have brought forward for international cricket not only in terms of scheduling but also regarding the cricketers.
“The primary purpose of the group was to address members’ concerns regarding the proliferation of T20s and other short-form leagues around the world. These have created challenges to and conflicts with the international playing calendar and often rely on a disproportionate number of international players,” Richardson added.
He was also vocal about draft regulations being put up to ensure operational standards, protecting the health, safety and welfare of its participants and enabling professional cricketers to reap the rewards of their talents.
“They [draft regulations] also recognize and encourage the important role that these leagues, when staged by or in partnership with members, can play in the promotion of the sport, in raising operational standards, protecting the health, safety and welfare of its participants and enabling professional cricketers to reap the rewards of their talents by mandating minimum contractual protections for players,”
