ICC Board meeting concludes in Dubai

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board held its first meeting of 2013 in Dubai and among the decisions made were:

Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme

New Zealand Cricket has been allocated US$1.8m, which represents US$0.6m for each of the next three years from the ICC's Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme (TAPP) which is aimed at developing more competitive teams among Full Members and Associate/Affiliate Members. This initiative was identified in the ICC Strategic Plan 2011-15 'Building a bigger, better global game' and was recognised by the ICC Board as an important tool in developing stronger and more competitive international cricket.

The New Zealand Cricket initiative will focus on a programme of 'A' Team cricket and the development of coaching and sports science expertise.

Recognising the value of domestic Twenty20 leagues

The ICC Board considered the report of the ICC Chief Executives' Committee working group, which includes Sundar Raman (Board of Control for Cricket in India), James Sutherland (Cricket Australia), David Collier (England and Wales Cricket Board) and David White (New Zealand Cricket), and agreed that domestic T20 leagues can add to the game as a whole and that further deliberations should be aimed at "the growth and sustainability of international cricket" by "attaining co-existence between domestic T20 leagues and the international game".

David Richardson, the ICC Chief Executive, said: "Domestic Twenty20 leagues have provided so many opportunities for players and officials alike as well as entertaining large domestic crowds.

"A workable and balanced international playing calendar is key to the sustainability of the game. We also need to ensure that cricket is played in a corruption-free environment. The ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is doing some great work in this regard. All Boards should be complimented on the progress they have made in putting their own anti-corruption resources in place but this is only the first step. Effective implementation of appropriate programmes and processes together with the timely and effective investigation and prosecution of all reported incidents is also crucial."

On-line Piracy

The Board unanimously agreed to continue to combat the legal, financial and practical issues facing Member Boards and the ICC in relation to 'online piracy' (illegal and unauthorised streaming of broadcast footage over the internet) and other intellectual property rights infringements in the form of 'digital ambush marketing' (online trade mark or other intellectual property infringement, unauthorised mobile applications/SMS activations etc.). An updated strategy will be further developed in time for future ICC Chief Executives' Committee and ICC Board meetings.

Annual Conference

The 2013 ICC Annual Conference was confirmed for London in June this year - immediately following the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 which is being held in England and Wales. For the ICC Annual Conference from 2014 to 2016, the ICC is to invite expressions of interest from potential host cities. These offers will then be considered by the ICC Board.

At the conclusion of the meeting ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "We had a constructive meeting in which many wide ranging subjects affecting international cricket were thoroughly discussed and those discussions will continue through the future ICC Board meetings as well as the ICC Chief Executives' Committee."

The ICC Board consists of the president or chairman from each of the 10 Full Members plus three Associate Member representatives. Also present at ICC Board meetings is the ICC President, who chairs proceedings, the ICC Vice-President and the ICC Chief Executive.

*Jacques Faul is an alternate for Dr Willie Basson