Sonn: 'We must not let commercialism dominate'
Percy Sonn, speaking at the ICC's annual conference at Lord's on the day he took over from Ehsan Mani as ICC president, said that the next 12 months was a vital period for the long-term health of the game
Cricinfo staff
07-Jul-2006
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"During that time we will be negotiating the sale of our commercial and broadcast rights for the next eight years to 2015," he explained. "The last time we did that, in 2000, we received US$550 million and that money has benefited every one of our Members in some way. It provided financial security that has allowed us to develop plans to take the game forward and the next agreement will, we hope, do the same.
"But while commercialism is important, we must not let it dominate the landscape or lose sight of what this great game is all about. Financial considerations cannot be our only driver and cricketing considerations must also play a vital part in any decisions the ICC makes.
"After all, we should all remember how and why we came to love this great game. I did so because of the joy I got from playing it, the excitement I got from watching it and the fellowship that came from being part of a team sport that has always embodied fair play.
I am keen that we remember all these things so we can ensure cricket can be a strong sport growing stronger during my Presidency.
"In order for cricket to do that the ICC must maintain a unity of purpose, something that characterised the discussions of our board in April when it agreed to the venues for the hosting of 17 events over eight years with a positive consensus.
"We should never overlook the simple truth that, as an organisation, we are stronger when we all act together. It sends out the right messages to our stakeholders and it is something else I am keen to maintain over my time as ICC president."