More strength to the ICC

LET'S face it. Over the years the International Cricket Council (ICC) has received enough flak from past cricketers and scribes alike who have called them with every name that is possible under the sun and even spited them on a number of occasions the way they have handled certain issues connected with the game.

Despite all the razzmatazz, the ICC have continued to box on serving the game for which is what they are there for.

The latest attack on cricket's ruling body comes former England Test opener Geoff Boycott who launched a stinging criticism on the ICC for allowing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to continue playing Test cricket.

"I honestly believe the ICC should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this devaluation of Test cricket to continue," Boycott said at a lecture on the eve of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's.

"My mum would have scored runs and got wickets against Bangladesh ... she'd have wanted to bat and bowl at both ends. They are an embarrassment to Test cricket."

The ICC however had its reasons for not demoting the two countries from Test membership. Ehsan Mani, the ICC president says in his annual report of 2004-05: "There were also reports that Bangladesh and Zimbabwe were to lose their Test status. This is simply not true. The ICC is seeking to help these countries not punish them.

"No one should lose sight of the fact that cricket is the number one sport in Bangladesh. The enthusiasm for cricket there should encourage everyone who loves the game to support this fledgling nation as it establishes itself among cricket's elite."

"There are also more junior cricket players in Zimbabwe than ever before and it is to be expected that the structures being put in place here will lead to an improvement at the elite level."

The ICC should be commended for standing firm on this issue despite what others say and the pressures that have been brought on them to change their stance on the two countries.

Talking of devaluing the game, has Boycott forgotten the time when English cricket was at its low ebb and they were being beaten by all and sundry? Is Boycott talking so loudly because there has been a resurgence of the England side that they are capable of matching their wits with even the top nation in the world Australia in the ongoing Ashes Test contest?

The umpire is always right?

The fact that the ICC's international umpires have substantially improved their correct decision making by as much as 3.1 percent in Test cricket and 2.7 percent in One-day Internationals should bring a great deal of confidence to the cricketers the world over and earn more respect for the officials who conduct the game.

Figures released by the ICC's annual report show that in Tests umpires have got it right 94.8 percent in the period 2004-05 compared to 91.7 percent in the previous year. In One-day Internationals the corresponding figures are 93.4 percent in 2004-05 and 90.7 percent the previous year.

As part of its comprehensive assessment of umpire performances, the ICC's Cricket Operations department now analyses every appeal and decision made in Test matches and One-day International cricket.

The figures are based on the correct decision-making percentages of international umpires represented by the Elite panel and the international panel of umpires.

US $ 500m on betting

Lord Condon, the head of ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit in his report for the year 2004-05 reveals that an estimated US$ 500 million changed hands through the illegal betting market during each of the six one-day international matches during India's home series against Pakistan.

"With this level of interest it is imperative that cricket remains exceptionally vigilant," wrote Lord Condon and called for legislation on betting in the sport, which he said would provide a more effective framework for dealing with it.

He said that he was happy to note that during the year under review there had been no major corruption scandals in international cricket and one of the main reasons for it was the awareness created by the ICC on the subject.

"One of the most effective weapons in the fight against corruption is education," wrote Lord Condon. "The primary target of the ACSU's education program is the players and all new international players are briefed on the dangers of corruption."