International Cricket Council President Ehsan Mani and ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed will visit South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe between 30 March and 6 April 2004 as part of their commitment to discuss international cricket issues with the Boards of Full and ODI member countries of the ICC it was confirmed today.
The visit will see the pair meet with each country’s Board to deal with key issues in international cricket as well as addressing any bi-lateral concerns.
Mr Mani said that the visits provided an ideal forum for the ICC and its members to discuss issues of common concern.
‘Malcolm and I have already had the opportunity to visit a number of countries and have found these visits to be an excellent way of building a better understanding of the issues that are confronting our members as they run the game within their own countries,’ said Mr Mani.
‘I hope that the countries also take away a better understanding of the ICC and how it is going about fulfilling its mission of leading, promoting and protecting the sport internationally.’
Ray Mali, President United Cricket Board of South Africa welcomed the ICC initiative.
‘It is most appropriate that the President and the CEO of the International Cricket Council are visiting us in the year that we are all celebrating the 10th anniversary of democracy in South Africa,’ said Mr Mali.
‘The ICC was the first international sports body to recognise the emerging democracy in South Africa by granting membership to the United Cricket Board of South Africa in 1991.
‘We are honoured to play a part in the ICC’s vision to make Africa a major cricketing continent, and we believe this visit will enhance this programme considerably.’
Topics on the agenda of the meetings include:
1. A presentation on the structure, operations and governance of the ICC;
2. The success of the ICC Development Program in Africa;
3. The ICC Code of Conduct and its application; and
4. Bi-lateral issues between the ICC and the individual member country.
As part of the ICC’s commitment to working with UNAIDS to raise awareness of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS, Mr Mani and Mr Speed will be visiting HIV/AIDS-related projects in all three countries. Details of theses visits will be provided locally when finalised.
The Roadshow was announced by Mr Mani when he was elected ICC President in June 2003 and is part of his program to build a better understanding between the ICC and its members.
Since June the ICC has visited Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies and is working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board to confirm arrangements for visits to these bodies.
Mr Mani and Mr Speed will meet with the Boards on the following dates:
31 March – United Cricket Board of South Africa, Johannesburg
2 April – Zimbabwe Cricket Union, Harare
5 April – Kenyan Cricket Association, Nairobi.
Contacts:
Brendan McClements
General Manager – Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 1818
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974
Jon Long
Project Officer – Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 7912
Mob + 44 (0) 7946 545 090
Email jon.long@icc-cricket.com