Lorgat rubbishes WC trophy row

by **Admin** Tue Sep 13, 2011 2:01 pm

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ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat today sought to put an end to the controversy over the trophy presented to India after the World Cup final, saying the winners got the trophy that was intended to be delivered to them.

Media reports today said that the Cup given to Team India was fake and that the original one was lying with the customs in Mumbai over non-payment of duties but Lorgat termed the reports as disappointing and said there was absolutely no issue regarding the trophy.

"It is very disappointing that media report do not represent the fact. I have spoken about match fixing at Ahmedabad and now it is disappointing to know about the trophy. India got the trophy which was intended to deliver to them," Lorgat told reporters.

"Since the 2003 World Cup, we have two trophy, One is the replica which is used for promotional purposes and that perpetual trophy has been going in and out of India for the last six weeks and it is back to Dubai.

"The original trophy we had at the field of play on Saturday and that is the trophy that matters and that is with Indian team," he added.

He also confirmed that the next edition of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will feature 10 teams, and the format could be like the one that was used in the 1992 edition.

Lorgat also said that the introduction of the much talked-about Decision Referral System (DRS) in the mega-event proved to be a successful one.

"DRS was successful. It has improved umpiring standards by more than five per cent. There has been no blatant errors or no complaints from teams over decision that could have affected the outcome of the match.

"And the spectators in the stadium valuing the DRS make it a lot more entertaining," he said.

Lorgat also clarified that no amendment has made to the controversial 2.5 metre rule.

The ICC CEO also vowed to do everything possible in order to keep the sport clean.

"We want the game to be clean at all level. That is one thing we don't want to compromise. We are doing our utmost to free cricket of match-fixing." (AFP)