Kumble to head ICC cricket committee, Strauss joins
Strauss stunned the sport when he retired in August in the aftermath of the Kevin Pietersen row. -Photo by AFP
LONDON: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble was appointed head of the influential “cricket committee” of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday as former England captain Andrew Strauss accepted a role with cricket’s governing body following his shock retirement.
Strauss stunned the sport when he retired in August in the aftermath of the Kevin Pietersen row, which coincided with England losing their position as the world’s top-ranked Test team.
Pietersen sent provocative text messages to South African players reported to have contained criticism of Strauss and the mentally drained skipper decided to walk away following his team’s Test series defeat against the Proteas.
But it was felt even then that Strauss, who captained England in 50 Tests and led the team in two successful Ashes campaigns, would return to the game in a more political role.
The 35-year-old’s appointment as one of two past players on the ICC’s cricket committee was supported unanimously by the world game’s governing body.
Strauss has replaced former West Indies pace bowler Ian Bishop, who did not seek an extension to his term.
Kumble, 41, who replaced West Indies’ Clive Lloyd, is the world’s third-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 619 scalps, behind Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708). He also took 337 One-Day International wickets.
The ICC’s 16-member cricket committee meets twice a year to consult on playing matters and offer recommendations to the ICC.
ICC president Alan Isaac said: “In Anil Kumble, we have a new chairman who has unquestioned experience not only as a player with India but also as an administrator with Karnataka State Cricket Association as well.
“I am sure that he will carry on Clive’s good work and bring, like Andrew Strauss, contemporary thinking to the committee, and both understand clearly the issues facing the modern game.”
congrats kumble- you deserve it – you are the only to take 10 wickets in an innigs that too against pakistan- well done boy .
He will destroy Pak cricket more.
who strauss or kumble??
What is left in pak cricket to be destroyed. Pakistani’s are self sufficient in destroying their cricket and tey dont need anyone’s help.
change your mindset,since kumble is indian he will destroy pakistani ckt? thats a sick mind set.pak ckt is facining humiliation not from others but from its own people
Dear sir,
It is very surprising to note that Pakistan which is amongst one of the greatest cricketing nations does not have any representative in ICC aka indian cricket council. If they cannot bear a Pakistani then how can we expect them to be fair and free to promote cricket without a bias.
Shame on you ICC
Regards,
Hyder
Unfortunately apart from Imran Khan most other Pakistani cricketers somehow cant speak good English. Communication is one of the most important skills required to hold such roles in ICC and not only good cricketing skills.
Off the field communication plays a vital role.
Now ICC will be more biased towards Indiana as wherever Indians go they take along with them biased and hate filled mentality
No selection criteria … Can’t believe this …
Why do you think kumble is not eligible ?
Who do you think is eligible from Pakistan apart from Imran Khan.
How come there is no one appointed from our nation?
power of BCCI
because pak cricketers need to learn to talk in english first. India’s even 3rd standard kid talks better than pakistanis .
LOL
I am surprised why all the nations are not equally represented in ICC comittees,it seems lopsided.