ICC rejects Players' Union criticism of World Cup being too long

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) Rejecting International Players' Union President Tim May's criticism that the World Cup has been stretched to benefit TV rights holders, the ICC asserted that the long-drawn schedule of the mega event has been made to ensure adequate rest and practice to competing players.

Speaking to UNI on the sidelines of the launch of World Cup's official website, www.cricketworldcup.com last night, ICC Media and Communications Manager Brian Murgatroyd said the tournament's schedule provided adequate space between games which would be beneficial for the players.

''Whatever Tim has said is obviously his personal view. This World Cup is in fact three games shorter than the previous tournament in South Africa,'' Mr Murgatroyd said.

''The tournament appears stretched because it will take place over a space of 47 days but if you look at the actual number of games that the teams will play, it is not as busy a schedule as it might seem,'' he explained.

May had hit out at the long-drawn schedule, saying the tournament in the West Indies had been dragged to benefit the sponsors and TV rights holders, who want to see the event stretched for as long as possible to make money.

Comparing the event to the soccer World Cup, the Players' Union boss had said that despite having a larger number of participants, the football extravaganza was always completed within a month.

However, Mr Murgatroyd said the cricket World Cup's longer schedule had nothing to do with benefitting the TV rights holders and the itinerary was designed keeping in mind the players' well being.

''If you look at the schedule then you will see that from the first day to the last day, the team which goes on to win the World Cup will play 11 matches in 47 days. Now as far as I see it this only benefits the players, who will have adequate time between games to rest, practice and then get down to competing,'' he said.

Citing the recent tri-series between Australia, England and New Zealand, the ICC manager said compared to the World Cup, the tournament had a more packed schedule.

''In the Commonwealth series, Australia played England 10 times in 30 days but here (in the World Cup) the team which wins the event plays 11 in 47 days. Anybody can judge which schedule looks more demanding,'' he pointed out.

Earlier, Mr Murgatroyd launched the official World Cup site and also unveiled the coveted trophy for which the teams will be competing in the West Indies.

UNI