Aust, cricket chairman noncommittal

Press, 24 April 1987, Page 64

Aust, cricket chairman noncommittal

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney The Australian Cricket Board said yesterday it would adopt a “wait and see” approach over Whether to support New Zealand’s decision to boycott the World Cup if Englqnd was forced to withdraw.

The A.C.B. chairman, Mr Malcolm Gray, said the board was not yet in a position to made a decision, but would keep a close eye on proceedings.

“The board’s view is that, at this stage, it doesn’t wish to make any decision.” “It will monitor the matter closely, but we believe it is better, because it is a very fluid matter, not to commit ourselves as this stage.

“If and when other events take place, we will take a decision in the light of that.” Mr Gray’s comments came after a reported call

by the chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr Bob Vance, for Australian support. India, which is hosting the cup with Pakistan in October, Is said to be voicing objections to the likely inclusion in the England team of players who had coached or played in South Africa.

A move to enforce a ban on such players would be seen by England and New Zealand as political interference in team selection. Mr Vance said he wanted Australia to make up its mind soon to support New Zealand, according to an article in yesterday’s “Australian” newspaper. “That means when India finally makes its decision about whether to let those players in, they will know exactly what they are doing — splitting world cricket,” Mr Vance was reported as saying.