Discord among ICC member boards can be end of cricket: Clarke
30th Jul 2008 15:01 IST Agencies
Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke fears brewing tension between Asian and Western blocs on issues like Champions Trophy and Twenty20 Champions League may cause split in the world cricket, resulting in the end of the sport.
Clarke said that top players from Australia, England and New Zealand are considering to boycott the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, doubting the security in the Asian nation, could bring a bad blood between the national boards.
The conflict between the BCCI and the ECB over the T20 Champions League was also a potential threat to the relationships between the two boards.
Besides, the Asian and Western divide was seen on the issue of revoking Zimbabwe's international status, which was supported by England, South Africa and Australia while the Asian block backed retention of its full membership.
"It's a concern for us, a concern for cricket and we can't afford that (split)," he told a Sydney-based radio station 2KY.
"Cricket in general can't afford it. I think it will be the end of cricket if that ever happens and I really hope that isn't the case," he added.
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