Players have no problem with BCCI: Tim May

Clarifying results of the survey of 45 international players (besides the ones from India, Pakistan and Zimbabwe) conducted by Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), chief Tim May has said players 'are not against' Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) exerting 'an unfair influence' on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision-making. In fact, May revealed that players 'were highly pleased' by the hospitality provided by the BCCI during the World Cup and Indian Premier League.

"Players don't have a problem with BCCI being powerful. They appreciate the money that BCCI is bringing into the sport, and IPL continues to be popular. Almost one third of them are ready to quit international cricket for it," May revealed to MiD DAY yesterday.

Only six per cent, who polled, believed decisions at ICC's board level were made 'in the best interests of cricket', while 49 per cent felt decisions were made according to 'party lines'.

"They have a problem with the way ICC's old committee system, which brings together 10 individuals who represent their respective boards to make decisions.

"There needs to be a stronger body that represents the sport, and not just India's interests. A classic example is Bangladesh agreeing to BCCI's wish at a meeting to rid of UDRS in Tests.

"A decision that favours Australia may not necessarily favour South Africa. Decisions need to favour the sport, not a country," said the former Australia off-spinner. "Players are okay with BCCI running the game, but are against ICC succumbing to their power. They feel there is a need to re-look at governance of ICC," he added.

May said that players of FICA members took a survey that included 82 questions soon after the World Cup. Of these, only three questions were related to governance of ICC and the role played by BCCI in modern day
cricket.

"Majority of the feedback we received was positive. The players were highly pleased with the way they were taken care of during their stay in India for almost three months (World Cup and IPL)," he said.

"Now, we need to look into why players feel their respective boards feel this way.

"We are not pointing figures at BCCI or ICC. The game's structure is such," he signed off.