WI row almost forced ICC to postpone Trophy: Sources
01 October, 2009
JOHANNESBURG: The International Cricket Council (ICC) had almost lost hope to go ahead with the on-going Champions Trophy a couple of weeks ahead of the start of the event following a row that erupted regarding the strength of the West Indies team. A well-placed source in the ICC told `Our Sources` that a few weeks ahead of the event it looked almost certain that the biannual event would be called off as the broadcaster who bought the rights threatened to sue the ICC for not being able to invite the best available West Indies outfit. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan but was shifted to South Africa following an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March this year. "According to the source, an understanding was reached by the ICC and company that bought the telecasting rights as the event was supposed to be participated by the best eight teams and every one had to include the best available team in the tournament. When leading West Indies players refused to play for their country unless their demands were met, the matter got serious," the ICC official confirmed. The broadcasters believed that the ICC had no right to charge full telecasting right money when one of the teams participating in the tournament was below its best. "The matter became serious and there were threats that the event may have been postponed." The ICC official said that the game`s governing body had no option but to turn to the West Indies Cricket Board in order to settle the dispute. "The ICC threatened to sue the West Indies Board in return if the best available lot was not selected for the tournament. Since it was a matter of urgent settlement, a conference was convened of all the concerned parties to deal with the matter. "It was the ICC that took the initiative as it knew very well that any delay would result in postponement or undue delay in hosting the important international event. All the concerned boards were involved in the negotiations in order to search for the best possible solution." The West Indies Board, however, did well to silence the broadcasters by saying that they had selected the best lot for the Trophy. The WICB`s contention was that since all the players who had given their availability were selected and the broadcasters concern was unjustified. "At no time did the WICB refuse to select the best lot. We could only consider those players who are willing to tour. We cannot force a player to be a part of the tournament. The best team means the best available and all those best available were part of the West Indies team for the Trophy," a WICB version stated. Following hectic negotiations, the WICB version was accepted and the stakeholders decided to go ahead with the scheduled Trophy. In case of delay or cancellation of the event, Pakistan would have been a direct loser as it is supposed to get the match hosting fee. The PCB is expected to get over $2 million as hosting rights money for the event. In case of any delay or cancellation that would not have been possible. End.
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