PCB to push for elimination of Big Three system at ICC meeting

Agencies Published February 4, 2017

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan said that he would push for the elimination of the Big Three governance system and revenue distribution formula, besides opposing the proposal for four-day Test matches at the ICC Board meeting in Dubai.

“We want the Big Three governance system and revenue distribution formula abolished and we see no constitutional problems for the ICC to do this,” Shahryar told the media before leaving for Dubai.

Shaharyar made it clear that Pakistan had supported the Big Three governance system in 2014 because India had signed a MoU with them that they would play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023.

“That was our reason and condition for supporting the Big Three but when India has not fulfilled its obligations under the MoU, we see no reason to continue our previous policy,” he pointed out.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has profited the most from the Big Three governance system as it gets the major chunk of the revenues that ICC earns from its events and broadcasting rights between 2015 and 2023.

India is suppose to get around 21 per cent share followed by Australia and England.

Shaharyar said Pakistan had done its homework on the revenue distribution system and wanted equal share for all member countries.

“Under the current formula we will end up with just around 98 million dollars while India stands to get around 500 million. We don’t see this as a system based on equality.”

Shaharyar said they were expecting India to oppose disbanding the Big Three governance system but due to changes in Indian cricket board set-up they might not be clear about their policies.

“The ICC meetings will give us a chance to sit down with the new office bearers of the Indian cricket board and see what they have in mind specifically in relation to bilateral series with us,” he said.

Shahryar also said that Pakistan would not support four-day Tests as there was no need to tinker with the spirit of Test cricket. “Five day matches are the spirit of Test cricket and what happens if it rains in a four-day Test. I don’t think we need to try to change things with Test matches.”

Published in Dawn February 4th, 2017

Sport

'Disgraces spirit of the game': Indian players’ celebrations draw criticism after U-19 Asia Cup final victory over Pakistan

Taliban authorities ban cricket content on Kandahar radio

Sandpapergate controversy deepens as ex-Australia bowler Chadd Sayers also claims ‘everyone knew’

Asad Malik

Feb 04, 2017 11:12am

These people finally realized what a stupid move it was to support it in the first place?

Recommend 0

sheryaar

Feb 04, 2017 11:17am

still the chairman of PCB wants to talk about series with india with the new BCCI set up. it seems 3 yrs are not enought for him to understand what modi govt is upto... PCB chairman is living in fools paradise !!

Recommend 0

Ahmad

Feb 04, 2017 11:18am

Though I agree with elimination of big three but India should get their share. You get what you work for. When you ask for equal for equal share then India has every reason to not take part in ICC tournaments then lets see if Pak can even get that $98 million.

Recommend 0

TRUTH ALWAYS

Feb 04, 2017 11:20am

There will not be equal revenue distribution in ICC!! India itself generates nearly 80% of revenue and it is logical to increase the revenue share for other cricketing nations which have low revenue generation. This in turn help them to hone their cricketers and grow.

Recommend 0

Zaman

Feb 04, 2017 12:34pm

The Big Three is a formula to perpetuate hegemony. They cannot take the sport to a colonial past. All Active Members have to be equal to make it a viable organization. The ICC has to expand the boundaries and frontiers beyond it's narrow vision which perpetuates a tiered system which is antithetical to it' s growth as an international sport with a world wide audience. I support Mr. Khan's propososals and urge all members to dismantle the Three Rebels. If they do not reform, they should be kicked out of the ICC. They have no relevance and can play amongst themselves if they want.

Recommend 0

Rahim, Srinagar

Feb 04, 2017 12:44pm

98 million dollar is more than enough for Pakistan wrt the revenue generation capability.India generates 80% and deserve 500 million.

Recommend 0

Prakash

Feb 04, 2017 12:53pm

India gets 21% because most of the business is due to India - it should actually get more. PCB calling for all members to get equal is not justified - will they allow Afghanistan on par with everyone ?

Recommend 0

Vikas

Feb 04, 2017 01:05pm

"We don't see this as a system based on equality". Point is when there is no equality as all nations are not equal how could there be a system based on equality? It's always the weaker nations who are canvasing and fighting for equality but it sounds like calling foul. The UN also has 5 veto members and isn't based on equality. Equality comes with strength.

Recommend 0

Dr. SalariA, Aamsir Ahmad

Feb 04, 2017 02:18pm

Too little, too late.

Recommend 0

sthf

Feb 04, 2017 02:13pm

India generates some 85% of the revenue and gets 21% in return. I don't see Pakistan having any leverage whatsoever.

Recommend 0

Ahmad

Feb 04, 2017 02:21pm

@Zaman India is planning to pull out of ICC championship trophy if they do then lets see if even ICC survives. India can still get most out of their league other countries don't have viewership to generate that huge revenue. 3 countries are making around 95% of revenue and they deserve to be on top post. You cannot ask for which is not yours.

Recommend 0

Basit Ali

Feb 04, 2017 06:14pm

@Zaman yes we should the walk out of ICC, right?

Recommend 0

Muhammed F Khan (Bangladesh)

Feb 04, 2017 07:13pm

@Asad Malik, You are 100% correct. PCB has prior experience that this MoU with BCCI means nothing but eye wash. Their Government has final say. Based on MoU you supported Big 3 - that was a stupid decision

Recommend 0

Muhammed F Khan (Bangladesh)

Feb 04, 2017 07:20pm

@Basit Ali , If ICC get rid of India, who they will play and generate money?

Recommend 0

Yankee cricket fan

Feb 06, 2017 03:31am

@Muhammed F Khan (Bangladesh) The question is..... if ICC kicked out India, how will BCCI function and generate revenue? Remember, their whole cricket is based on IPL which is all about international players playing in that league. If the ICC sanctioned players are not allowed to play in IPL, there is no IPC, nor the revenue, and so the whole house of cards falls apart. BCCI needs ICC more than ICC needs BCCI. Trust me on that.

Recommend 0

Feb 06, 2017 09:20am

Forget the bilateral series, abolish big three. Pakistan have some dignity for Godsake

Recommend 0

Feb 06, 2017 12:12pm

PCB can't move even an ant at ICC. BCCI will gets its way . Watch out

Recommend 0

Feb 06, 2017 12:18pm

@Yankee cricket fan Good point. But 90 pc of big players will forgo ICC and opt to play for IPL.. Did you not see why a player like Kyle Abbot left SA Cricket and signed County cricket deal ? Players have families and futures to take care of. Only about 5 pc of first class cricketers make good money playing for their nations. A huge number of excellent first class cricketers will happily leave their countries to only play IPL.

Recommend 0

Manikkam

Feb 06, 2017 08:44pm

fully agree with Sharyars view that the test cricket should not be tampered with. test cricket pers e is the basis of cricket and it carried a bit of history whenever or where-ever it is played. But when it comes to sharing the spoils, I am of the opinion that if India gets 500 Million, Pakistan should feel satisfied with 100 Million it nets, considering its centres oar fewer and size of gate collections in India far out weighs what could be achieved in Pakistan. So, lets not rock the cart!

Recommend 0