NZ's candidate Alan Isaac wants IPL window in FTP, gets GREEN from BCCI

[achilles]

NZ's candidate Alan Isaac wants IPL window in FTP, gets GREEN from BCCI

Alan Isaac wants IPL window in FTP Alan Isaac, the candidate who replaced John Howard as Australia and New Zealand's nominee for the ICC vice-presidency, has supported the creation of a window in the Future Tour Programme for the IPL. The ICC had earlier ruled out accommodating lucrative Twenty20 leagues in the already cramped international calendar, but Isaac said that was likely to change as the ICC's sub-committee is working on remodelling the FTP. ''The Future Tours Program has to allow the IPL, because unless it is accommodated we will end up with more challenges,'' Isaac told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''There will be more pressure put around the scheduling of ICC events [such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy], and those ICC events are so critical to members because of the revenue generated. "It has to be worked into the Future Tours Program because there is a demand and an interest. The players seem to like it, and there is more money coming into the game. 'The sub-committee work is being done on that basis [that the IPL will be part of the FTP].'' Isaac, the New Zealand Cricket chairman, replaced former Australia prime minister John Howard as the ICC vice-president nominee following Cricket Australia's refusal to choose another candidate. Howard's nomination was blocked last month in Singapore by members from six countries. After being told by the ICC board to find another option by August 31, New Zealand asked Sir John Anderson, the country's original recommendation, to reconsider. When Anderson refused Isaac, 58, stepped forward. Isaac said Anderson's decision to decline contesting was unexpected. ''He shocked me when he said he wasn't available, then encouraged me to make myself available,'' Isaac said. ''That was the first time I started thinking about the role. I don't see myself as second or third choice, ultimately I will be judged on the work that is done.'' Isaac conceded that the ICC has had its share of criticism on the way it works and how certain powerful members like India have got their way. He said India have a very significant role to play in the game's governing body in terms of the revenue they generate. ''I think one of the most important things is that we work to enhance the reputation of the ICC,'' Isaac said. ''The media are quite critical of it, sometimes justifiably, and lots of decisions it makes get criticised. Each member around the table has got their own issues and agendas, I understand that, it is about leading everyone in a common direction. ''There is no doubt [india] are powerful, that is a matter of fact. When the ICC sells its commercial rights a lot of that comes from India, that is the commercial reality and we have got to recognise that. The Indian officials I have dealt with in my 20 months at the ICC have been really good to work with, there are no issues at all.'' Source

He's making the right noises and he's also being practical.

India to back New Zealand's Alan Isaac for top ICC post India's cricket chiefs on Saturday endorsed New Zealand's Alan Isaac as the next vice-president of the world governing body after former Australian Prime Minister John Howard was snubbed for the job. Isaac, who heads New Zealand Cricket, was on Friday nominated by Australia and New Zealand for VP, a post that will see him take over as president of the International Cricket Council in mid-2012. The working committee of the Indian cricket board (BCCI), which met in Mumbai on Saturday, decided to back Isaac for the post that is rotated among the ICC's Test-playing nations. "The committee approved the candidature of Alan Isaac, Chairman, New Zealand Cricket, for the post of ICC vice-president," the BCCI said in a one-line statement. Isaac, whose nomination is expected to be rubber-stamped by the ICC's executive board soon, will serve as vice-president for two years before taking over from current president Sharad Pawar of India. Isaac, a chartered accountant by profession, has been on the board of New Zealand Cricket for 20 years and became its chairman in 2008. The ICC had on July 1 rejected the candidature of Howard - following a reported revolt by the Afro-Asian bloc in the ICC - and asked Australia and New Zealand to nominate a new man by August 31. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat had declined to disclose why Howard's bid had failed, but reports suggested the former PM enjoyed the support of only Australia, New Zealand and England. Howard's candidature was reportedly not backed by the ICC's seven other full members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The rejection of Howard, who was Australian Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007, was believed to stem from his zealous opposition to Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe. He also incurred the wrath of the powerful Asian cricket bloc in 2004 by labelling Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan a "chucker," or someone with an illegal bowling action. In 2006, Howard strongly supported Australian umpire Darrell Hair, who outraged Pakistan by halting a Test match and awarding victory to England during a protest over ball-tampering allegations. Several Test nations also objected to Howard's appointment because he had no experience of cricket administration. Cricket Australia on Friday declined to name another candidate after Howard was rejected, and instead decided to support Isaac. Source

I like the choice of words. Shows that the BCCI knows it has the power to "approve candidatures" of people of other nations. India is truly getting stronger by the day.