Monday 26th November 2001
And the new cricket crisis rumbles on...

Where does it all lead...?

"In my mind the current match against South Africa is official, which will make Sehwag eligible to play against England,” Jagmohan Dalmiya

What exactly does Mr Dalmiya hope to acheive by completely defying the ICC, and writing his own rule book. This will not solve any problems, it will only tear cricket apart. If he wants a code of conduct for referees, then I am sure no one else will dispute it now, but by riding roughshod over the only ruling body of the game we have, he undermines everything and threatens the whole fabric of the game across the globe. Okay so maybe there is still some racial inequality in the world, but this over reaction will only serve to heighten anger on all sides.

What are his motives, more moeny and/or power for the Asian Test nations? Is he just power hungry? and what were the South aFrican bosses thinking when they folded to the BCCI? They can be seen to be just as guilty of going against the ICC, however they might regret their decisions in hindsight, if the ICC are in control, then let them have their way, and discuss these important and valid issues at regular Test nation meetings. Communication is all important, but bold, brash anti-authoritarian stands such as these by the BCCI will not bring about change in a sensible level-headed manner.

Richard Kendall

Links:

"India defy ICC over Sehwag" article from Wisden.com, 26/11/01
In reply, "ICC won't budge" from Wisden.com, 26/11/01
ICC's official media release, 26/11/01 from Cricinfo.com
Full coverage from timesofindia.com, 26/11/01