Do all cricketers.....

Entertainment Cricket and Other Sports
1

…become retarded after they retire?

First Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Bishen Bedi Singh,

And what premises did he make this observation?

ICC responds to Akram’s salvo

Akram’s comments ill-informed and offensive, says Mani

Cricinfo staff

December 11, 2005

Ehsan Mani: ‘In reality the ICC today is a multi-cultural body that reflects and embraces the diversity of the cricket world’ © Getty Images

Ehsan Mani, the ICC president, has said that the comments made by Wasim Akram that alleged a bias by the ICC against Asian countries are ill-informed and offensive.

“As a Pakistani I am honoured by the privilege given to me to lead the ICC in carrying out its responsibility to act without fear or favour to any nation. It is a great disappointment to see this former great player, particularly as he is from my own homeland, make such ill-informed, offensive and inaccurate comments,” Mani said in a media release. “The reality is that what Wasim has alleged is offensive not just to me, but to everybody involved with the ICC - the directors, the umpires and referees, the staff and the many former great players from across the cricketing world, including many from Asia, who are involved with the ICC through its Cricket Committee. His comments are not supported by any facts, are ill-informed and make no constructive contribution to the debate on moving cricket forward.”

Mani also emphasised on Asia’s integral involvement with the ICC. "With Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, as chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee that includes four representatives from Asia; with David Richardson, the former South African vice-captain as General Manager - Cricket; and with, Ranjan Madugalle, the former Sir Lankan captain, and Roshan Mahanama, the former Sri Lankan player, among the Emirates elite panel of referees we have access to some outstanding cricketing people to deal with cricket issues. In this process, the views of the Asian region are well represented.

“In reality the ICC today is a multi-cultural body that reflects and embraces the diversity of the cricket world. This is reflected at the board table, at all levels of the administration and in the critical operational areas of the Cricket Committee, umpiring and refereeing and anti-corruption. In light of the reality of the modern ICC, these comments are a poor reflection on Wasim’s ability to play a constructive role in debating cricketing issues and bring into question his ability to research, understand and make judgments on the way in which the ICC carries out its mandate from all members.”

Akram had earlier made the following comments, reported on the Manorama Online website: **“ICC has become a forum for white cricketers. [Ehsan] Mani may be a Pakistani but he has never played cricket and never been associated with Pakistan or India or Bangladesh. He has never watched a first-class game. My objection is that why players like Imran Khan and Kapil Dev do not get the top job in ICC? But people from Australia and England – all these one-Test wonders – get the job … I think if cricketers head ICC, their opinion will be respected more. We [the subcontinent] have the passion, money and the crowds. But nobody from India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka ever gets the top job in ICC.” **

Now Wasim Akram is one of those very few educated ex-Pakistani cricketer, why did he have bring down his reputation.

2

Re: Do all cricketers.....

I think Umair, we need to pay more attention to the core message of Wasim’s statement:

  ***“I think if cricketers head ICC, their opinion will be respected more”***

Whether, his thesis holds some significance or not is a separate issue. I personally do not agree with Wasim Akram. ICC is an international Organization which must be run by professionals and not necessarily by cricketers. It is ICC’s responsibility to make sure that all cricket playing nations are represented properly at international level, all conflicting issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved, and cricket as a sport is taken to the next level. To achieve these objectives, one does not need to be a cricketer but a solid knowledge of today’s corporate environment, understanding of today’s financial and legal problems and leadership potential accompanied with a reasonable knowledge of the sports should be the main criteria for the selection of a ICC chief.

It should also be kept in mind that ICC itself does not make all the decisions. It has created several committees headed and participated in by ex-cricketers. That is where Wasim akram should participate too. We all know that a good cricketer may not be an excellent coach. Same is true about a good cricketer not being a successful ICC chief. What is the guarantee that Kapil Dev or Imran Khan, despite their lack of experience of running a governing boy, would be successful ICC chiefs just because they were too good as cricketers?

So far his allegation of ICC being discriminative towards Asian countries is concerned, that does not make much sense either. Each an every country has its own cricket board. If a cricket board is strong, regardless of its size, and knows how to convey his message through, chances are that ICC would not be that discriminative at the first place.

3

Re: Do all cricketers.....

Wass has a reputation of a standup guy, very friendly with other team players, highly respected and most of all a complete professional. This is not the first time he has made these remarks regarding gora monopoly over special assignments, rules and control over ICC. I remember his comments regarding the appointment of gora's as third umpires and match referees, since then we have seen a change. Once again, his comments are hinting towards the biased attitude towards desi players, take for example why are desi bowlers always singled out? Why are umpires behaving so differently towards desi bowlers (Kaneria/Murli).

He is absoluetly right about Mr Mani, what are his credentials? Its not just about desi non-desi, its about cricketers not being treated properly.

4

Wasim comment is offensive - ICC

World cricket boss Ehsan Mani has issued a scathing rebuke against Wasim Akram, who accused the governing body of being racially biased.
Former Pakistan pace bowler Wasim was quoted as saying: “ICC has become a forum for white cricketers.”

But Mani replied: "It is a great disappointment to see this former great player make such ill-informed, offensive and inaccurate comments.

“What Wasim has alleged is offensive to everybody involved with the ICC.”

Mani, a Pakistani lawyer, refuted Wasim’s claims that top players were ignored for jobs in the International Cricket Council.

Former India captain, Sunil Gavaskar, is chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee, which includes four representatives from Asia.

Former South Africa vice-captain, David Richardson, is General Manager (Cricket) and former Sri Lanka players Ranjan Madugalle and Roshan Mahanama are match referees.

“In reality the ICC today is a multi-cultural body that reflects and embraces the diversity of the cricket world,” said Mani.

“These comments are a poor reflection on Wasim’s ability to play a constructive role in debating cricketing issues and bring into question his ability to research, understand and make judgments on the way in which the ICC carries out its mandate.”

5

Re: Do all cricketers.....

I think he wanted to bring light to this "gora favoratism" in ICC... be it the hiring or the rulings for gora teams... I think he did the job for all sub-continent folks who don't dare to stand up, but sadly it may have been at the cost of his reputation. In essence, it sends a clear message to ICC that there is someone who is looking at all the racial rulings and is daring enough to put his reputation at risk for fair play

Contribute your poetic sense : = Poetic Image
6

Re: Do all cricketers…

**

But do you agree in principal that ICC should be headed by an ex-cricketer? Yes or NO.**

7

Re: Do all cricketers…

These so called ex-cricketers headed the PCB for the past couple decades and we saw the results, guys like Majid Khan and others did a horrible job handling different affairs.
Just because you are an ex-cricketer doesn’t mean you should be given a post in the administration.
Guys like Sharyar Khan, Ehsan Mani, and others are qualified professionals and have done a decent job.

My point was that him bringing a race issue was totally uncalled for.
Ever since his involvement in the Indian media, he has made non sense comments to make Maa Bharat happy.

8

Re: Do all cricketers…

What do you need Mr. Mani’s credentials for? Do you want his credentials as a cricketer or do you want his credentials as a seasoned professional? Mr. Mani has a proven track record of serving on number of ICC committees and projects successfully. He played a key role in the organization of the 1996 ICC World Cup, and has also served on the Asian Cricket Council. It is a managerial position and therefore we need candidates who have a proven record of managing organizations. I am also attaching a brief description Mani’s profile for your review.
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/zimbabwe/content/player/40076.html

I guess what needs to be understood is the exact role of ICC. ICC itself does not make any decision on serious cricketing issues, rather its appointed committees, headed and participated in by reputable ex-cricketers; make such decisions, though ICC maintains sole authority over all of its appointed committees.

Whether, Asian cricketers are represented properly in such committees or not, is a separate issue but on hindsight, most of these committees have a fair number of Asian cricketers/officials with Pakistani cricketers/officials the only exception. But then, it is something that Pakistan Cricket Board should look into.

9

Re: Do all cricketers.....

I guess if we go by Mr. Akram's logic, Dr. Kamran Abbasi should stop writing articles at Crcinfo. After all, the renowned surgeon has never played the test cricket in his whole life!

10

Re: Do all cricketers.....

The Idea is pretty simple and lets just say Wasim Akram made a statement in a wierd way(right and wrong), however Wasim Akram(currently a commentator) was speaking only from his cricket experience. Here is a short example there are different kind of managements (a) Jaggu (fromer Indian karta dharta of BCCI) and our own (b) Sherri Khan a.k.a Mr. Good will. England request to change venues / schedule tour of India was not entertained till Jaggu was at the top, and when Pawar came he just wanted to stamp his own authority single handedly did that and axed Asia cup. I wonder why no hell break loose when they did that, you cannot just go ahead and cancel a series just like that which was not suppose to be played in your own country, now that doesnt say much about the other countries and management, Does it? What I know of BCCI they have a tit-for-tat policy they must have got there own points in green, once they visit England; perhaps something like the luxury tour of england in Pakistan.

 There are many cricketers who can be very good administrator's and manage an organization very well, I draw Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Bari...etc all are from PIA and they know they are good at it as well. I dont know of many cricketers from India therefore this is one example, I know of Wasim Raja of Pakistan working as M. referee and I can recall Ranjhan Madugalle and Roshan Mahanama from Srilanka who are working at ICC but will they ever get a chance to the helm? My guess is good as anyones.

Ehsan Mani in his own right defended ICC (his job), deep down he knows that whats going on! simply put if there aren't many teams from south-asia or Afro nations who are currently in the program of "Minows" and all those brilliant cricketers who just want to speak and not dive into the nritty gritty, we will keep on seeing this for a long time and nothing else.

I mean lets face it, who doesnt like Political power whether its a Govt or at an organization, and who would like to give up its domination. simply put when it comes to that they ( as Wasim said) are more united and work towards there common agenda when required!

11

Re: Do all cricketers.....

So just because they have a Pakistani puppet at the top, that is supposed to mean they're unbiased?

Unfortunately for the ICC, actions speak louder than words.

12

Re: Do all cricketers…

Meanwhile the PCB have got their panties in a bunch, lest Wasim’s comments damage the moderated and “friendly” (read spineless) spirit of Pakistan.

"He may have just made off the cuff remarks like it generally happens. “But when he returns from India the Board will have a word with him because he is a big name and such statements attributed to him are not good for his image or that of Pakistan cricket,” a senior official said.

13

Re: Do all cricketers.....

The truth hurts Mani, you puppet. Simple as that.

14

Re: Do all cricketers…

Like I said:

Mr Mani certainly has the required credentials to run a professional outfit, but has no affinity to its earning drivers ie players, and that is what Wass is talking about.

I agree with u, its respective boards which need to show more spine and leadership qualities, sadly for Pakistan that is not the case as evidenced by the recent one-sided official mismanagement of our concluded test series. I keep on saying this, its not just about winning matches, its how we present ourselves which also matters. If we lose with grace and dignity, we will be respected, but if we win with no honor then there is no respect. Wasim probably has the same views, he expects the best and does not wish to be treated any differently.

15

Re: Do all cricketers…

Thommo has a few bouncers of his own…if u thought Wass was critical what do you think of Thommo calling ICC officials “the biggest idiots in the world of cricket”

http://dawn.com/2005/12/13/spt3.htm

ICC a waste of space, says Thomson

SYDNEY, Dec 12: Australia’s fearsome former fast bowler Jeff Thomson has branded the International Cricket Council (ICC) a “waste of space” following their attempts to gag players who criticise opponents in the lead-up to Test matches.

Thomson, renowned as one of Australia’s most aggressive bowlers, slammed the sport’s international governing body and said they were taking the fun out of the game.

“They ought to get their own house in order rather than worry about the players, the ICC do nothing,” Thomson said on Monday.

“They do nothing about blokes chucking, they do nothing about all this other stuff, they are more worried about words, that is all they are, full of words the ICC.

“They always look like they are doing something but they do nothing. They are the biggest idiots in the world of cricket. What a waste of space.”

His comments follow warnings from the ICC to players earlier Monday to cut down their verbal sparring or risk disciplinary action.

The body singled out Australia and South Africa for their so-called “war of words” before the three-Test series starting in Perth on Friday.

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne on Sunday suggested the South Africans might need a psychologist after his team had finished with them.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said there had been a spate of code of conduct reports since the Ashes series which finished in September and pointed to a slight increase in the number of players charged this year over their sledging.

“There have been a series of comments by players and former players ahead of the Australia v South Africa series that I believe make it necessary to remind the players of the importance of playing within the spirit of the game ahead of this series,” Speed said in a statement.

Thomson and fellow former Test bowler Terry Alderman felt the ICC comments showed they were trying to sanitise the sport and make players more robotic.

“You have got to have a bit of gamesmanship, that is what it is all about,” Thomson said.

He believed the ICC’s actions were taking the focus away from the actual game.

“They are bagging the game rather than promoting, it’s highlighting things that aren’t worth highlighting,” he said.

Alderman said the ICC hierarchy were trying to justify their six-figure salaries following the recent move to Dubai.

“We need some characters in the game, we don’t need assaults on players out in the middle, but the banter that does go on — there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

“They are putting the cart before the horse, they are almost saying there is going to be problems because of what has been written and said by players. Well that is ridiculous. Let the game be for goodness sake.”

The Australian team, renowned for verbal sledging in the past, have attempted to clean up their behaviour under captain Ricky Ponting.

Thomson’s comments were the second major attack on the ICC this month after former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram claimed the body was biased against Asian countries.—AFP

16

Re: Do all cricketers…

wasim started his tirade against the ICC precisely on the day shabbir ahmed was reported for chucking once again.
if we all keep this central point in mind, maybe one can respect akrams views a little more. now, shabbir has been reported before and cleared too by the ICC after he ws sent to australia for the biomechanics tests.
now they suddenly report him once again. this is what has infuriated wasim akram and nothin else,IMO
wasim being a fast bowler can understand what shabbir might’ve gone through with this latest accusation on his action. THAT is why akram has probably gotten a little emotional and went slightly over the line with the RACE comment. however, the point is not entirely baseless, the ICC has surprisingly been catching hold of asian crciekters MUCH more than the “goras”.
is anyone here trying to tell me that only asians have a gentically predispositioned throwing arm and the gora are all clean as water??
if yes, then you probably haven seen a certain gentleman named “kyle mills” from new zealand bowl.
remember, it was dalmiya who intervened and cleared shoaib akhtar at a time when he was called up again and was on the verge of being banned for a period of time. we need more such characters like dalmiya in the ICC esp. from asian region. people like mani certainly dont mmake the cut cos of lack of heart and will. i got nothing against ehsanm mani, but he seems a little blind towards the woes of the subcontinent

listen umair, akram is a proud paki standup sorta guy, dont make such silly baseless comments man. i encourage people like akram who are passionate about the game to speak up more often

-- Hyderabadi NamaaN (names and nicks)...