The Hindu : Sport : ICC defends its decision

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 23, 2005

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ICC defends its decision

Special Correspondent

Players want their performance to be recognised officially: Malcolm Speed

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday defended its decision to grant official status to the inaugural Johnnie Walker Super Series in Australia in October this year. "We have followed a rigorous process and found that the players were themselves keen to play. They want to beat Australia in Australia and want their performance to be recognised officially," the ICC Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Speed, said.

Mr. Speed was responding to growing criticism over the much-hyped series that includes a six-day Test at Sydney (from October 14 to 19) and three one-dayers at Melbourne (between October 5 and 9).

"The players want to be seen as the best and I am sure cricket during the series won't be short of quality. It will be the best team in the world (Australia) against the best of the rest of the world," Mr. Speed stressed.

`Payers value records'

The ICC CEO insisted the "players had requested that these matches be given official status because they value their records a lot. The bowlers and the batsmen stand to boost or damage their averages but they are keen to have a go. The players are quite pleased with the concept."

Mr. Speed said he was not sure if the Super Series could develop into an annual affair. "I can't say for now but we hope it would become a regular affair over a period of time," he said.

On the issue of Pakistan expressing concern over the amount of cricket being played, Mr. Speed said, "at the meeting with the captains, three of them said there was too much cricket, four noted the need for more while three others felt it was okay. I think we got it about right."

Wright is the coach

Mr. Speed also confirmed John Wright's appointment as the coach of the Rest of the World team. "His success against Australia clinched the job for him," said Mr. Speed. He got the job following recommendation from Sunil Gavaskar who noted, "John is a highly experienced and respected coach who knows what it takes to beat Australia." In his five-year tenure with the Indian team, Wright coached in 42 Tests and 130 one-day internationals. "I have enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as player and coach. It will be a real privilege and a great thrill to work with so many outstanding players during the series," Wright said of his return to big time cricket after having voluntarily quit his assignment with India.

The ICC also used the occasion to announce the official partners for the Super Series. Joining the title sponsor in supporting are ABN-AMRO, LG, Master Card, Hero Honda and Emirates. In addition to these major partners, Hyundai has been appointed as the official car and Reebok the official clothing supplier for the event.

PTI adds

SET Max will telecast live the Super Series. The channel will also telecast the ICC Awards 2005 on October 12.

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