The simmering row within the International Cricket Council took an ugly turn on Monday with its President Mustafa Kamal threatening to expose “mischievious” designs of some people who had denied him the “constitutional right” to hand over the Word Cup Trophy.
The World Cup trophy was handed over to Australian captain Michael Clarke by Chairman N Srinivasan after the final, but Kamal claimed that the ICC’s amendment of its rules in January 2015 mandated the president to give away trophies at global competitions.
“After I go back home, I will let the whole world know what’s happening in ICC. I will let the whole world know about those guys who are doing these mischievous things.”
ICC President Mustafa Kamal
According to the amendment to the memorandum and articles of association of the ICC which was approved in January 2015, the job of handing over of trophies at global events rests on the ICC president.
“With effect from the 2014 Conference Close Date, the President shall act solely as chairman at Conference and Special Meetings and be responsible for presenting trophies at global competitions and cricket events held under the aegis of the Council.”
Clause 3.3 (B) ICC Handbook
Kamal had made a stinging criticism about “umpiring bias” during Bangladesh’s quarterfinal loss to India in the World Cup. In that match, India’s Rohit Sharma was not given out to a Rubel Hossain delivery which apparently looked a “touch and go” decision.
“I commented on poor umpiring and even the ICC issued a press release. I was the president, I am the president and I will remain the president. But I have been robbed of my constitutional rights to speak the truth, to speak for cricket and to stand for cricket,” he said.
“I have spoken for ICC and I have not spoken against any country. But as a cricket lover I spoke. That is why I could not give away the trophy,” he added.
Kamal had accused India of flexing its muscles, which had led to umpiring bias. Srinivasan reportedly wasn’t one bit amused after hearing Kamal’s comments on record. While the former BCCI president didn’t say anything in public, he did express his displeasure to the board members.
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