Int'l Cricket Players' Association CEO TIM MAY "has resigned citing frustration at the global governing body amid allegations of corruption in the game and backroom politicking," according to Greg Stutchbury of REUTERS. The former Australian cricketer had headed the Federation of Int'l Cricketers' Associations since '05 but said on Wednesday that "he had grown disillusioned" with the Int'l Cricket Council and its member boards. May, who had led the Australian Cricket Players Association for eight years before he moved to FICA, added that "he felt cricket's administrators were focused on removing dissenting voices, to the sport's detriment." May "was removed from the ICC's cricket committee last month amid allegations of pressure from the powerful Indian board" (REUTERS, 6/5). The AP reported May said that "the current issues facing cricket, including corruption, means the ICC has to take more of a leading role." May: "More and more we see allegations of corruption and malpractice on and off the field dominating headlines ... Yet cricket increasingly seems to be pushing aside the principles of transparency, accountability, independence, and upholding the best interests of the global game, in favor of a system that appears to operate through threats, intimidation and backroom deals" (AP, 6/5).
GROWING TIRED: In Sydney, Jesse Hogan wrote while May has served players for 16 years, he said that "his decision was triggered not by weariness but by exasperation at the ICC." May said, "There are many reasons I've become tired. I'm tired of traveling and I'm tired of being away from my family, but another part of being tired is it's just very, very frustrating to bang your head against a brick wall in terms of the governance of the ICC and the governance of a number of boards" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/5).
PLENTY OF PRAISE: NEWS LIMITED's Malcolm Conn wrote Australian captain MICHAEL CLARKE "described May's resignation as a sad day for the game and the world's players." Clarke: "Throughout my time in cricket Tim has been a constant presence, taking on the tough issues on behalf of all players and doing so with amazing passion, strength and leadership." Former Australian captain RICKY PONTING "described May as a pioneer." Ponting: "Thanks to him, players are now receiving a fair share of the game's revenues and have a great peace of mind knowing that the various player associations around the world have the expertise, support and leadership that Tim has created" (NEWS LIMITED, 6/5). The BBC reported England captain ALASTAIR COOK, speaking on behalf of the England team, said that "May has been a great servant of the game." Cook: "Current players have reason to be very grateful for his hard work and advocacy on our behalf." Professional Cricketers' Association CEO ANGUS PORTER added, "Tim has fought tirelessly and fearlessly, not only for cricketers' rights, but also for what is right for cricket" (BBC, 6/5).
