Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.

Our say

 
 
Another kick in teeth from big brother

Another kick in teeth from big brother

03/02/2010 03:49:53 AM

Another kick in the teeth for New Zealand Cricket.

It's nothing new from Australia. Remember the years of isolation when New Zealand first appeared in the international game.

There have been numerous other instances.

But the appointment of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard as the nomination of the combined boards of Australia and New Zealand Cricket for the presidency of the International Cricket Council is a slap in the face for cricket administration.

The process to make this appointment has all the hallmarks of Australia's typical attitude toward New Zealand cricket that marked the first 40 years of New Zealand's existence in the game – that is, no contact at all.

Australian cricket has looked down its nose at New Zealand for most of the relationship between the two, and the sad thing is that New Zealand has readily acquiesced to the big brother knowing that if it didn't it could expect less crumbs off the table.

Sir John Anderson was eminently suited for this role, and it would have been the perfect way to round out what has been a significant career in cricket administration.

Here is the man who, along with former NZC chief executive Christopher Doig, introduced the five-year plan which ensured the benefits of regular contact would be spread among all the top cricket nations.

He also completed the governance review of the International Cricket Council to allow it to function in the modern world. And that's not to forget the overhaul he saw occur in the New Zealand administration.

Now a politician, has been preferred to an administrator.

It is a complete and utter slap in the face to Sir John Anderson's fine career in administration, and an even greater slap for New Zealand cricket at large.

It can only be wondered just what some of the other cricket nations in the world will make of this decision.

Rivalry between the two countries, once established on a regular basis, has seen New Zealand's performance levels rise, to the point where it ended Australia's unbeaten run in 2009-10 at the weekend.

But it appears the thought that a New Zealander might be given the presidency of the ICC is a step too far.

NZC would have been better to disassociate itself from the decision, but that would not have been what Anderson wanted, and no doubt such a stance would have borne its own costs. Read into that what you will.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

Latest Headlines

 
 
Haddin: I'm not worthy
Haddin: I'm not worthy
Cricket
02/13/2012 08:46:01 AM
Out-of-favour wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has all but given up hope of figuring in the ...
 
 
Sri Lanka face must-win clash
Cricket
02/13/2012 05:13:26 AM
 
Gambhir's team focus
Cricket
02/12/2012 07:35:47 PM
 
Horrible Aussies
Cricket
02/12/2012 06:04:32 PM
 
Dhoni guides India home
Cricket
02/12/2012 11:26:28 AM
 
 
 

Your Say

 
 

Galleries

 
 
Photos of the Week
28/11/2011 3:33:38 PM
The golf season is getting into full swing; A League is continuing plus heaps more. So take a break from work and look thought the photo gallery of the week’s best sporting action.
The Weekend Sporting Action
18/10/2011 2:21:08 PM
The sport never slows down around the world. Check out the latest action from the weekend.