Chappell calls ICC an ‘event management company’

ISLAMABAD
Describing the ICC as an “event management company”, former Australia captain Ian Chappell has observed that the financially stronger boards are getting their way in producing self-serving schedule while harming the interest of Test cricket.
Chappell also felt that a viable two-tier system for Test cricket should have been in place by now but added that other pressing matters need urgent attention to keep the game’s traditional format relevant.
“On the subject of a two-tier Test system, former West Indies pace-bowling champion Michael Holding noted: ‘For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs soccer. The ICC must run cricket’,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.
“Therein lies a perplexing problem. The ICC doesn’t run cricket, and unless there’s a major change of heart, the financially desirable nations will continue to have a huge say in producing a self-serving schedule.” Chappell though agreed that the game’s financial engine India’s influence is proportional to their contribution.
“Then there’s the major issue of the financial split. The big three — India, Australia and England — despite was the wealthiest cricket nations claim a large slice of the money divided among cricket bodies, and yet they agitate for an even larger share.
“India’s powerful presence in the ICC is in direct proportion to their contribution of around 70% of cricket’s income. It’s a complex issue to which cricket hasn’t found a workable solution.” “Producing a player who performs well in Test cricket requires having a strong four-day competition. It’s extremely expensive to run a four-day competition. “It’s one reason why T20 cricket flourishes. Running a successful T20 competition improves the financial capacity of a cricket body.
“This, along with running a successful T20 competition was vastly more acceptable than losing money on a first-class schedule, dominates the thinking of most cricket administrators.
“Cricket was run by a competent ICC is a pipe dream. Hence the growing T20 calendar and the current scheduling schemozzle that plagues the game.” Chappell cited the exampled of warm reception following Sam Konstas’ daring Test debut against India at the MCG.
“Cricket administration is difficult. However, in addition to producing a viable two-tier system, there are other pressing matters that need urgent attention if Test cricket is to improve its relevance in the wider sporting world.”