Ranatunga: ICC 'under India's thumb'

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R Tisha

02 June, 2011

Expressing concern over how the International Cricket Control (ICC) was losing its authority, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga said on Wednesday that it had become a puppet in the hands of..

COMPARING THE ICC to a "toothless tiger," the Sri Lankan player added that it was "under the thumb of India". "The ICC's job is to protect the game. They don't have to favour anyone. The game has been nurtured by honourable men of the ICC for decades, but at present, ICC looks to be under the thumb of India," 'The Island' newspaper quoted Ranatunga as saying.

The former Lanka captain further lauded ex-England captain Tony Greig for his courage to ask the ICC to get back on its feet once again and not let India influence its decision making power. Ranatunga did not limit his attack to the BCCI, he also targetted the IPL and called it a "monster" that was spoiling the future of international cricket. The player said that he was ready to accept the IPL as the new trend in the world of cricket, but not at the cost of Test cricket. The players are losing interest in the traditional format and all want to play in IPL. "I have seen this IPL and I must say from the first day I didn't like it. We have created a monster that will go on to destroy international cricket," Ranatunga said, as quoted by 'The Island'.

Criticising the demand for including IPL in the international calendar, the Lankan player and former Sri Lankan captain said that it was "ridiculous". Entertaining such a call would mean encouraging other countries to do the same. Club tournaments can be allowed in case of football where clubs have more charm than international games (except for the World Cup), but it’s a big no no for cricket, Ranatunga added.