PCA Surprised At Government’s Decision To Consult With ICC After The Zimbabwe Tour — 09/12/2004

Richard Bevan, group chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), today expressed surprise at Sports Minister Richard Caborn’s desire to consult with International Cricket Council (ICC) with the aim of avoiding controversy over further cricket tours.

Bevan said: “Richard Caborn has made no direct contact with the ICC in the past two years. Given recent events, his support would have been hugely welcomed during this period.

“Nevertheless, Caborn’s late entry into the debate is encouraging for the future, in particular to ensure cricket and professional cricketers are not used as pawns in a political debate.

“Our assertion all along has been that the Government simply needs to make a decision on whether they wish a sporting body to visit a particular country.

“If they are unwilling to make that decision - as they were with Zimbabwe - and then ask for action to avoid a repeat of the situation, they run the risk of sounding disingenuous and opportunistic.”

For further information, please contact;

Richard Bevan — 07860 474767
James Hindson — 07866 241241