English cricketers plan private tour to N.Z.

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 44

English cricketers plan private tour to N.Z.

By

GARY BIRKETT

Rebel English cricket players could be in New Zealand this summer after confirmation from the New Zealand Cricket Council that an unofficial tour is being planned. The “Daily Express” had reported that a pirate tour was being arranged by Cyril Champness, the chairman of Crest Sports International, a ports management company which is keen to establish itself on the world cricket circuit.

The newspaper said the company had originally planned to send an unofficial team to India but because of delays in giving a definite go-ahead, Crest would now turn its attention to the more accommodating New Zealanders. The former captain, Mike Gatting, is rumoured to be considering an offer to lead the side. England was to tour India this month but had to call off the trip

in September because visas would not be issued to eight players with South African connections. An alternative visit to New Zealand was cancelled after Pakistan’s withdrawal from a triangular one-day tournament in protest at England’s visit. Graham Dowling, the chief executive of the N.Z.C.C., said yesterday that Mr Champness had telephoned him on Friday about a possible private tour. Mr Dowling said details were still sketchy and he is waiting for more detailed information from England in the next few days. “All we are doing is waiting for some further information. I am a bit surprised that it has hit the headlines in England.”

He said his council was concentrating its efforts on Pakistan’s visit and any England tour would not be officially backed by the council.

“We deal with the control boards of other test playing countries in arranging tours but there is nothing stopping a group of individuals from wherever wanting to come and play cricket in New Zealand.”

If the tour does go ahead a programme would depend on the strength of the visiting team. Once a team is finalised Mr Dowling said he would pass details on to the appropriate people. “We don’t think they would be here to compete with Pakistan. They could be playing elsewhere and trying to get some cricket if they can.” Mr Dowling said private tours had been made by such teams as Rest of the World XI in other countries in the past. “They put together sponsorship and go touring to fill up gaps in the international calendar. That was totally acceptable in the past.”