ICL games will be 'glorified exhibition matches'

'Critical' Jones overlooked for Cricket Victoria board

Cricinfo staff

August 29, 2007

Dean Jones' rocky relationship with cricket administrators has continued in retirement © Getty Images

Dean Jones has missed out on a place on the board of Cricket Victoria because its members could "take only so much of his sort of talk". Jones was also concerned that his position on the executive board of the Indian Cricket League hurt his chances with his home state, as the ICL is not an officially-sanctioned organisation.

Last week Jones tried to shrug off suggestions that his involvement with the ICL meant he was an unsuitable candidate at Victoria. "Look, they're glorified exhibition matches," he said in the Age. "We're playing one tournament a year."

Geoff Tamblyn, the chairman of Cricket Victoria, said it was more likely Jones' abrasive personality had swayed members not to elect him to the board this week. "Deano seems to forget he's under [a promotional] contract to us," Tamblyn told the Herald Sun.

"People will take only so much of his sort of talk. It's hard to get people enthused when he's continually critical. We recognise Deano is a bit from left field, and we put him up as a Test selector. It didn't come to pass, but there was no lack of support from us - and we'll recommend him next time. That's probably more his role."

Jones said he was disappointed at the lack of former top players in Victoria's administration - Jim Higgs also failed to get elected - and he hoped there was not a perception that his ICL role was a sign of disloyalty. "My heart is with Victorian cricket, always has been, always will be," he said.

"I've always been loyal. I played my whole career in Victoria. Everything I have now is because of Victorian cricket. I always want to help the team and I'll continue to help kids follow their dream." Jones thought the retirement of the veteran board member Bob Merriman, who is a former Cricket Australia chairman, provided a perfect opportunity to bring in fresh ideas.

"We need young blood," said Jones, who was also this week named Victorian Father of the Year. "I want to repay the faith, but if the people who run the clubs and the associations didn't think I was good enough, that's fine. I'll move on."

© Cricinfo

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Players/Umpires

Dean Jones

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Australia

India

Victoria