ICC takes centre stage in crisis resolution

The ICC is to play a more prominent and decisive role in tackling major issues affecting international cricket's Future Tours Program, a move approved by directors at yesterday's ICC Executive Board meeting in London.

While continuing to respect the sovereignty of members, the ICC is now charged with creating dialogue, convening meetings and mediating on issues that threaten the fulfilment of a tour or tournament.

"The ICC has asked for and been given the authority to take a lead role in helping to resolve problems between members, particularly where terrorism and political unrest threaten the viability of future fixtures," confirmed ICC President Malcolm Gray.

An early test of the new mandate will be the planned tour of Pakistan by Australia, which is due to play three Tests and three One Day Internationals during September and October. Delegates from both countries have held meetings on the issue over the past few days.

Anti Corruption Recommendations

As an important part of the implementation of Lord Condon's anti corruption recommendations, the meeting adopted a Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Policy. An Ethics officer will be appointed to administer the application and implementation of the Code, which in addition to conflicts of interest covers matters such as confidentiality, betting, gaming and gambling.

Bowling Review Process Streamlined

The Executive Board also approved a streamlining of the process for dealing with suspect bowling actions. From the beginning of September the current three-stage process will be streamlined to two stages. A first report will require a player to work to correct his action, while a second report in 12 months will result in the ICC Bowling Review Group being convened. This has the power to suspend a player from international cricket for 12 months, if his bowling action is deemed to be illegal.

The new process will not apply to any bowlers currently within the 12-month timeframe of the existing procedure.

ODI Team Rankings

The ICC has confirmed that it will introduce a new team ranking system for the 11 ODI playing national sides. The precise details of the system and an opening ranking table will be released in the near future.

There was also agreement to review the basis on which the ICC Test Championship is calculated. The review will look at the Championship's first 12 months, and recommend improvements to the system.

ICC World Cup Qualifying Series

From 2003, the ICC will adopt a new World Cup Qualifying Series of tournaments for Associate and Affiliate members. This will replace the old ICC Trophy, with the intention of bringing more structured competition, involving promotion and relegation between world and regional level competitors. It will also allow the creation of a world ranking system for ICC members below Test and ODI status.

New Members Approved

The ICC cricket family was extended to include 85 countries following the admission of Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Cuba, Gambia, Ghana, Panama, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Turks & Caicos as Affiliate members. Further progression in cricketing standards was confirmed with the elevation of Nigeria and the Cayman Islands to Associate member status.

Media contact:
Mark Harrison, ICC Communications Manager
Tel: 00 44 (0) 207 266 7935
Mobile: + 44 (0) 787 944 1891
Email: mark.harrison@icc-cricket.com

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