PCB to seek termination of `Big Three` at ICC meeting

Karachi [Pakistan], Feb.4 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has admitted that the board would seek the elimination of the `Big Three`, featuring the cricket boards of India, England and Australia, in this week's International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting to be held in Dubai. Earlier in 2013, the ICC gave additional power to Australia, England and India which invited a flurry of criticisms from the independent cricket stakeholders. "We want the Big Three governance system and revenue distribution formula abolished and we see no constitutional problems for the ICC to do this," the Dawn quoted Shaharyar as saying. Shaharyar also made it clear that the PCB had earlier given its node to the 'Big Three' system after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) promised to renew cricketing ties with Pakistan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to play six series between 2015 and 2023. "That was our reason and condition for supporting the Big Three but when India has not fulfilled its obligations under the MoU, we see no reason to continue our previous policy," the PCB chief said. The 82-year-old, who was talking to media before leaving for Dubai, further said that he would also oppose the proposal for four-day Test matches as it would tinker the spirit of Test cricket. "Five day matches are the spirit of Test cricket and what happens if it rains in a four-day Test. I don't think we need to try to change things with Test matches," he added. Shaharyar said that Pakistan had done its homework on the revenue distribution system and are looking for equal opportunities for all the countries. "Under the current formula we will end up with just around 98 million dollars while India stands to get around 500 million. We don't see this as a system based on equality," he added. The PCB chief further went on to say that they are also looking forward to the views of the new four-member panel of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about revival of cricketing ties between two sides. "The ICC meetings will give us a chance to sit down with the new office bearers of the Indian cricket board and see what they have in mind specifically in relation to bilateral series with us," he said. The first Test series between India and Pakistan was scheduled to be held in December 2015 but the tension between the two Asian neighbours on the political front dented the plan. (ANI)