Blair says don't tour

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

I wonder about that, RBLC. Much as I would hate to see the international game split down the middle - and see my post in another thread on that - desperate times call for desperate measures. Scott's proposal would certainly cause a split, and some of our fellow Commonwealth members, and one notable non-member, would wave us away. I can't see the Aussies or Kiwis staying away for long though, nor perhaps the South Africans, Indians or West Indians once they see the economic cost of boycotting England. Would rather see some sensible discussion at ICC level, however, aimed at unity or, less desirable, isolation of Zimbabwe.

OF

That's pretty much summed it up hasn't it!

At the end of the day, as you and others have pointed out - money makes the world go round. Who is one of the biggest draws in International Cricket? Who does everyone want to beat? Who generates the most income? Australia - maybe. But England is certainly well up there in the 'big draw' departments.

I remember watching the recent Test Pakistan v India - the ground was 90% empty! Compare that to the recent Test series of England v W Indies - ticket sell outs all over!

I'm pretty sure in my mind that all of the other Test Playing Nations would prefer to see Zimbabwe suspended than England resign from the ICC on purely financial ground alone and many of these other Test Nations have their own 'beefs' about touring Zimbabwe.

As for all the ex-colonial countries waving us goodbye - well yeah they may smile wryly at that, but recover immediately when they realise how much that will hit their financial pockets!

England wield a lot more power in International Cricket than a lot of people realise - lot of the other smaller Test playing countries are minnows compared to the amount of finance England pumps into the game. If only the ECB would be a bit more resolute in standing up to the ICC's 'spineless chickens' we could see England come out of this even more powerful than they went into it.

The should stand up to the ICC and call their bluff - lets see what they're made of.

Scott

[Occasional Fan]

Hmm. Unfortunately, Scott, I think the tour boycott is going to be left to you and me. A team will go, of that I am sure. But I won't, of that I am equally sure. I'm not sure there is much else I can do. Depressing stuff.

[Kezza]

Is it the ZCU's responsibility to step down and out of the international arena?

But even so, yeh the ICC should be confronted on the subject of the potential year-long ban.

[Rich Greenfield]

It is going to be intresting to see who will be able to cover any tour seeing as the BBC are a 'terrorist organisation', sky getting chucked out last week and the papers were thrown out ages ago as well.

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

Hmm. Unfortunately, Scott, I think the tour boycott is going to be left to you and me. A team will go, of that I am sure. But I won't, of that I am equally sure. I'm not sure there is much else I can do. Depressing stuff.

OF

I think you're absolutely right. What I advocate should happen, and what will happen are two totally different things. However, I think if England do end up touring, which looks likely, somehow I don't think the ECB are going to forget this in a hurry, and will probably put the boot into the ICC at every opportunity and be as forthright as they can be in getting some of these stupid policies changed. Even perhaps pushing for Zimbabwe's suspension, as I think that situation is, to be honest - farcical.

Scott

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Rich Greenfield

It is going to be intresting to see who will be able to cover any tour seeing as the BBC are a 'terrorist organisation', sky getting chucked out last week and the papers were thrown out ages ago as well.

Rich

Whatever do you mean? Zimbabwe have already beaten Sri Lanka 5-0 in the ODI series, I think Mugabe's Political Henchman are just working out what the scores were at the moment....

Scott

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by Rich Greenfield

It is going to be intresting to see who will be able to cover any tour seeing as the BBC are a 'terrorist organisation', sky getting chucked out last week and the papers were thrown out ages ago as well.

Now - isn't that another good reason for not going?

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

So how much money are we actually going to get then ?

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Scott-Wozniak

The situation is far too complex to be able to reduce it down to a simple yes, no, yes with a B team, because it depends on how you want to look at the situation, and that will determine what answer you give.



If I was in charge of the ECB I'd basically tell the ICC and Mugabe's Zimbabwe to get lost, and you can try imposing financial penalties on us if you like, but you can 'spin' if you think you're getting a penny out of this country or English Cricket - they shouldn't pay them one single penny. England should resign from the ICC and refuse to rejoin until there are significant changes in ICC policy. England should invite other Test Playing Countries tour here and for reciprocal tours to take place but not under the guidance of the ICC. Thats what I think the ECB should threaten to do - call their bluff - see if they have the balls to allow England to resign from the ICC.



Scott

There is not a lot I can add to this post as I agree all the way with you Scott,good post.

The sending of an A B or C team,will be just as wrong,the point being we should send no team at all,Pity is Scott you are not in charge of the England team on( this one ).

[Richard Jenkins]

http://www.world-a-team.com/showthre...=3355#post3355