An open letter to New Zealand Cricket

To whom it may concern,

I live in Christchurch and was recently at a few local Twenty20 Cricket matches involving Shane Bond. It was great to see New Zealand�s best bowler in full action playing cricket in New Zealand. A few days later I was going to go and purchase tickets from Tiketek. As I contemplated how I was going to buy them (Internet or in store) something hit me.

What reason do I have for buying these tickets at all?

I have attended every Christchurch match for a number of years and would always, faithfully purchase tickets and attend matches without question. However today I am left wondering why I should even bother.

All I would be doing is supporting a corrupt cricket board in the form of the BCCI and a Cricket board that doesn't have the balls to do what�s right for the game and play its best players - NZ Cricket.

What right does the BCCI have to control cricket around the world? None. And yet they still do. You told Shane Bond that he could play for both his country and an ICL team now you should stand by what you have said.

Why should I pay to get into either of the 2 matches being played in the city this summer when I can't even watch the best available players? I do understand NZ Crickets predicament. If you play Bond and others like him India won't play you.

However on the ICC (of which you are a member) website it has a mission statement. Included in the mission statement are the following "Values":

1) Openness, honesty and integrity -

We work to the highest ethical standards. We do what we say we are going to do, in the way we say we are going to do it.

And yet Bond can't play? But you told him he could.... How is that doing what you say you are going to do?

2) Excellence -

Cricket's players and supporters deserve the best. It is our duty to set the highest standards.

Again, how is not playing one of this country�s best players giving supporters "the best?"

3) Accountability and responsibility -

We take responsibility for leading and protecting the game. We provide outstanding service to our stakeholders. If others are harming the game we take necessary action.

So the BCCI banning certain players simply because they play in an opposition league is in the best interests of the game? And not play our countries leading fast bowler is also in the best interests of the game?

Perhaps you should start honouring what you say. Until then I refuse to attend any international cricket especially that involving India.

Yours Sincerely

Daniel Jourdain