ICC chief executive urges responsible management
International cricket is in good financial shape but won’t be immune to the global economic downturn, said the ICC’s chief executive.
The International Cricket Council’s Haroon Lorgat, speaking at a news conference following the first day of the chief executives’ committee meeting, said the impact of the world crisis on the sport and its sponsors is a concern.
“We need to be very responsible in the way we manage ourselves in tough times,” he said. “We recognise that all of us in one way or another will be impacted.”
“We’re in a very good place in terms of revenue, the financial security of the game,” Lorgat said, adding that contracts with sponsors had been signed and targets met.
However, the ICC is concerned about attendance, particularly for test matches. The executives’ committee had agreed last year that more investment was needed in promoting Test matches.
Lorgat also said a Test championship is still on the table. He said one issue was concern that a championship would compete with established “icon” bilateral series, such as the Ashes and India-Pakistan.
He added that while India and England are reluctant to change the current model, others thought there was room for the icon series and a championship.
