The International Cricket Council today said that it was imperative for countries to have player associations recognised by their Boards before the ICC would be able to deal at the international level with a representative body such as Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA).

ICC President Malcolm Gray said, "It would be simpler for the ICC to deal with one body that represented the players, but the reality is five countries regard the issue of dealing with commercial and management matters as the exclusive right of the Home Board and the ICC should not have a direct role with the players in this area".

"This issue has been discussed and debated by the ICC Board on several occasions and ICC Management has argued strongly for an increased role for player representation in management areas at the international level" said Mr Gray.

"Despite a majority of the ICC Board being in favour of player representation at management level, five countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa) opposed the proposal. This meant that under ICC voting structure the proposal was defeated," Mr Gray said.

"It must be recognised that cultural and industrial relations environments in all countries vary greatly among the ICC members." Mr Gray said.

"I have seen comments from some player representatives who are upset about this and my only response is that FICA needs to stop putting the cart before the horse.

"If player representation is to take place at the international level, it is up to the players in these countries to convince their Boards of the value of having this type of system. There is little point in getting upset or angry.

"The reality is the Boards of five countries do not accept that the players should be represented internationally on these issues.

"Therefore, the players need to work constructively with their employers if they want to change this view," Mr Gray said.

For further information,

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
International Cricket Council
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 1818
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974

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