MCC lobbying for new calendar- 15 May 2008 09:00:00
The MCC world cricket committee, consisting of former players and umpires, is petitioning to restructure the sport’s global calendar to fit around the lucrative new Indian Premier League.
The MCC’s proposals for a new global calendar would allow all players to play in the IPL which currently conflicts with the start of the English domestic season – a scenario that saw English players banned from taking part.
The MCC world cricket committee propose that cricket chiefs put aside two three-week periods a year for the IPL. They believe a well-planned fixture list would allow Test, 50-over and Twenty20 cricket to co-exist.
Committee member Steve Waugh said: 'The IPL is here to stay so cricket boards have got to find a place for it. I appreciate it is difficult in England because they play in opposite seasons compared to the rest of the world but they will have to find a way because the England players are missing out.’
Reports have suggested the England and Wales Cricket Board is considering reducing county matches from four days to three to shorten the season, which would enable players to capitalise on the riches of the IPL without jeopardising their county and England careers.
The world cricket committee, which comprises 18 former Test players and umpires, believes a properly thought-out calendar would also prevent players retiring prematurely from the international game because of the lure of higher wages in the IPL.
The world cricket committee was formed three years ago and meets twice a year and includes former England captains Mike Brearley, Mike Atherton, Geoffrey Boycott, Alec Stewart and Mike Gatting as well as cricket legends Waugh, Martin Crowe, Shaun Pollock, and Courtney Walsh and aims to be an independent pressure group.
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