Unauthorised cricket tackled

27 February 2008

The ECB has toughened its stance against “unofficial events” around the globe - making it clear players tempted to sign up for such tournaments will be jeopardising their chances of being picked to represent the country.

At its board meeting on February 27 2008 the ECB received a full report on the impact and threat of unauthorised events to the infrastructure of the sport.

The board is determined to disassociate and distance itself from any promoter, agent or individual involved in such events.

In October 2007 the board announced its policy concerning player and official selection for England.

This policy clearly demonstrates a preference towards players and officials who do not participate in unofficial events.

The board noted and reaffirmed its policy concerning the staging of unauthorised events within England and Wales in which no member, or venue receiving any funding from the ECB, will be allowed to host such events.

It was further noted that unqualified cricketers requiring a No Objection certificate to be registered for cricket in England and Wales are unlikely to receive such certificates from their home boards if they participate in unauthorised events.

In order to protect the genuine interests in the development of grassroots and county cricket and protecting anti-doping and anti corruption measures, the ECB policy to condemn unauthorised events will be taken into consideration when evaluating any application to register players for county cricket.

All counties will be actively supported and encouraged to enter into 12-month playing contracts.

On the eve of the meeting, the ECB chief executive David Collier addressed a meeting of the county chief executives who recognised the potential threat to the county game by unauthorised cricket and offered their support to the actions proposed by the ECB.