Television deal at risk as players demand more say

Players yesterday demanded a greater voice – or indeed any voice – in the running of cricket. They did not add to that claim the phrase "or else" but their mood was clear. This time they mean it.

The effect on the $550m (£350m) deal that the International Cricket Council has reached with the Global Cricket Corporation for television and marketing rights could be monumental. It is one of the most lucrative contracts in sporting history and if any one of its terms are not met GCC, part of the Murdoch empire, would seek to renegotiate or withdraw.

The players know they must tread a delicate line.

The Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA) issued a statement after a meeting of most of the players involved in the Champions' Trophy. The nature of the tournament, which puts all the teams in one hotel for a fortnight, made such a gathering possible, which is probably not what the International Cricket Council had in mind when it organised it.

FICA now claims to represent player associations round the world, including India, which is in the process of forming one. It says the ICC has no right to try to stipulate who should represent the players.

FICA wants quick answers on the recent row over sponsorship which threatened the Champions' Trophy and wants an assurance that the ICC will agree to negotiate and consult with representatives of the players' own choosing.

The ICC had no comment yesterday. It knows it will have to allow players significant influence in running the game. It was one of the key recommendations of the report by Lord Condon's Anti-Corruption Unit.