By IANS,
Sydney : Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke says he fears the growing difference between cricketing boards of the Asian and the western nations can prove fatal to the game.
The Champions Trophy in strife-torn Pakistan has brought the Australian and New Zealand cricket boards in direct clash with their Asian counterparts. Security fears have led the Aussies and Kiwis, along with England and South Africa, to threaten the boycott of the elite tournament.
“It’s a concern for us, a concern for cricket and we can’t afford that (split),” Clarke was quoted as saying in Daily Telegraph.
“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.”
Clarke said the likes of Australia and India needed each other to improve their own skills and assure the international game’s survival.
“You only have to look at when we played India recently, it’s so tough… that cricket,” he said.
“I don’t think India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, any of the subcontinent teams would want that, and I know Australian cricket would not want it.”
According to Test great Steve Waugh, cricket’s heavyweights need to quickly pull together to prevent any ugly fallouts.
“I think they have to work at that relationship because there’s definitely the potential there for something like that (a split) to happen,” Waugh said.
“The Champions Trophy is coming to a head and certain teams not wanting to go will cause some issues in itself.”