ICC CEO looking to reduce the 2011 WC to five weeks

Dubai, June 8 (UNI) After drawing flak from all quaters for a very long World Cup in the Caribbean, International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO today said the governing body is looking to reduce the 2011 edition to be held in the sub-continent.

''Yes, we are looking at the duration of future (ICC Cricket) World Cups,'' Speed said.

''I'm hopeful that we can find a format that gets us down to five weeks. And there was a lot of criticism of the length of the event. We looked at that. We accept that. We will revise it and try to get it down to five weeks.

''I think we will end up playing just as many matches, but will do it in a shorter format'' he added.

The recently concluded World Cup in West Indies dragged on for more than seven weeks.

He also hailed the appointment of Ray Mali, calling it a 'an excellent choice' which had the backing of all member countries.

''I think the outstanding feature of Ray Mali is that he has a quiet, calm sense of authority about him,'' said Mr Speed.

''He has been a cricket administrator for a long, long time.

He has introduced some excellent changes in Cricket South Africa in his times as President, Speed added.

In an interview to a TV channel Speed said,''As it has turned out, I think, Mr Mali is an excellent choice and the fact that it is a unanimous decision is important (as it shows) that all the member countries are comfortable with Ray. He is very keen to do the job, to fulfill South Africa's obligation to provide ICC with its leader for the next twelve months.'' Mr Mali, who stood down as President of Cricket South Africa to accept the role, after the unanimous approval of the ICC Board. The appointment comes after the previous incumbent, Percy Sonn, passed away last month.

UNI