The fear of Bangladesh sliding down to “second class” in Test cricket has apparently passed away, what a press release of the ICC said on Tuesday.
The draft proposal for “big three” was not put up to vote at the ICC board meeting held at Dubai in view of severe criticism from member countries.
However, the cricket boards of India, England and Australia were specially favoured and the authority of India in the cricket-governing body was acknowledged.
The member countries of ICC unanimously agreed upon some key principles relating to the future structure, governance and financial models, the press release said.
“All member countries will have the opportunity to play all formats of cricket on merit; no immunity to any country and no change to membership status.”
However, it said a Test Cricket Fund will pay an annual sum to all full members (excluding India, Australia and England) for encouragement and support of Test cricket.
There was no mention of would become of the fund for the cricket boards of India, Australia and England.
One of the principle acknowledged India's authority as a central leadership body for ICC. “Recognition of the need for strong leadership of ICC, involving leading members, which will involve BCCI taking central leadership responsibility.”
Operational level leadership will also be provided by India, Australia and England.
Also, a new company will be incorporated for future tenders of ICC events, what will be eyed by the specially-priviledged India, Australia and England.
“At the ICC we need to work on the manner in which these principles will be implemented,” ICC President Alan Issac said. “Extensive work will be undertaken ahead of a follow-up board meeting next month.”
"The principles agreed today provide clear evidence that through the course of further discussions over the coming weeks we can be increasingly confident in achieving consensus."
