The 2002 FICA Player Survey

The 2002 Federation of International Cricketers' Association Player Survey was conducted during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament last month. Every single international player from the ten countries involved attended a World player meeting. Also present in the room were FICA representatives - joint chief executives Tim May and David Graveney, and director of operations, Richard Bevan.

The following topics were discussed:

1. ICC
2. YOUR GOVERNING BODY
3. UMPIRING
4. PROGRAMMING
5. PLAYER BEHAVIOUR
6. TECHNOLOGY
7. GROUNDS AND FACILITIES
8. PLAYING CONDITIONS
9. ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY
10. PLAYER REPRESENTATION
11. THE BEST

1. ICC

1.1. The ICC Is Doing A Good Job Running International Cricket

Strongly agree: 2%
Agree: 18%
Neither agree nor disagree: 34%
Disagree: 39%
Strongly disagree: 7%

1.2. The ICC Is A Respected Governing Body

Strongly agree 5%
Agree 25%
Neither agree nor disagree: 33%
Disagree:32%
Strongly Disagree: 5%

1.3. The ICC Compares Favourably With Other World Sport Governing Bodies

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 19%
Neither agree nor disagree: 44%
Disagree:32%
Strongly disagree: 4%

1.4. The ICC Has The Best Interests Of The Game At Heart

Strongly agree: 3%
Agree: 32%
Neither agree nor disagree: 40%
Disagree:23%
Strongly disagree: 2%

1.5. The ICC Balances The Interests Of The Game With Those Of The Players

Strongly agree: 0%
Agree: 4%
Neither agree nor disagree: 33%
Disagree:48%
Strongly disagree: 15%

1.6 The ICC Is Interested In The Views Of The Players

Strongly agree: 2%
Agree: 11%
Neither agree nor disagree: 25%
Disagree:38%
Strongly disagree: 24%

2. YOUR GOVERNING BODY

2.1. My Governing Body Does A Good Job Running Cricket In My Country

Strongly agree: 2%
Agree: 39%
Neither agree nor disagree: 22%
Disagree:27%
Strongly disagree: 10%

2.2. I Have A Good Relationship With My Governing Body

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 47%
Neither agree nor disagree: 25%
Disagree:14%
Strongly disagree: 5%

2.3. The Officials Of My Governing Body Have The Best Interests Of The Game At Heart

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 34%
Neither agree nor disagree: 37%
Disagree:13%
Strongly disagree: 9%

2.4. My Governing Body Is Sympathetic To My Employment Needs As A Professional Cricketer

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 24%
Neither agree nor disagree: 29%
Disagree:31%
Strongly disagree: 9%

2.5. My Governing Body Is A Forward Thinking Body

Strongly agree: 4%
Agree: 28%
Neither agree nor disagree: 35%
Disagree:25%
Strongly disagree: 8%

2.6. My Governing Body Is Interested In The Views Of The Players

Strongly agree: 3%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 26%
Disagree:26%
Strongly disagree: 12%

3. UMPIRING

3.1. The Standard Of Umpiring In International Cricket Is Of International Quality

Strongly agree: 3%
Agree: 46%
Neither agree nor disagree: 35%
Disagree:16%
Strongly disagree: 0%

3.2. Players Have A Good Relationship With International Umpires

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 67%
Neither agree nor disagree: 22%
Disagree:2%
Strongly disagree: 0%

3.3. The Umpiring Standard Has Improved During My International Career

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 43%
Neither agree nor disagree: 32%
Disagree:18%
Strongly disagree: 0%

3.4. The New Panel Of 8 International Umpires Is A Positive Move By The Game

Strongly agree: 20%
Agree: 60%
Neither agree nor disagree: 13%
Disagree:6%
Strongly disagree: 1%

3.5. In My Opinion The Panel Are The Best 8 International Umpires In World Cricket

Strongly agree: 6%
Agree: 23%
Neither agree nor disagree: 37%
Disagree:30%
Strongly disagree: 4%

3.6. The Appointment Of The International Panel Conflicts With The Greater Reliance Of The Use Of Technology In The Game

Strongly agree: 0%
Agree: 20%
Neither agree nor disagree: 60%
Disagree:18%
Strongly disagree: 2%

3.7. Both Umpires Officiating In Test Matches Should Be From Neutral Countries

Strongly agree: 49%
Agree: 42%
Neither agree nor disagree: 5%
Disagree:4%
Strongly disagree: 0%

3.8. Both Umpires Officiating In ODI Matches Should Be From Neutral Countries

Strongly agree: 40%
Agree: 38%
Neither agree nor disagree: 13%
Disagree:9%
Strongly disagree: 0%

3.9. The Third Umpire Should Be From A Neutral Country

Strongly agree: 31%
Agree: 34%
Neither agree nor disagree: 19%
Disagree:14%
Strongly disagree: 2%

3.10. Umpires Apply The ICC Code Of Conduct Consistently

Strongly agree: 15%
Agree: 43%
Neither agree nor disagree: 24%
Disagree:16%
Strongly disagree: 2%

3.11. The Third Umpire Has Improved The Standard Of Umpiring

Strongly agree: 5%
Agree: 32%
Neither agree nor disagree: 40%
Disagree:18%
Strongly disagree: 5%

3.12. More Types Of Decisions Should Be Referred To The Third Umpire (eg: lbw, bat pad)

Strongly agree: 2%
Agree: 29%
Neither agree nor disagree: 45%
Disagree:19%
Strongly disagree: 5%

4. PROGRAMMING

4.1. There Is Too Much International Cricket Being Played At Present

Strongly agree: 27%
Agree: 37%
Neither agree nor disagree: 29%
Disagree:6%
Strongly disagree: 1%

4.2. Players Should Have A Compulsory Annual Leave Period

Strongly agree: 38%
Agree: 40%
Neither agree nor disagree: 12%
Disagree:7%
Strongly disagree: 3%

4.3. There Should Be A Minimum Number Of days Between Test Matches

Strongly agree: 48%
Agree: 43%
Neither agree nor disagree: 7%
Disagree:2%
Strongly disagree: 0%

4.4. Players Should Not Be Expected To Play Back To Back ODI's

Strongly agree: 56%
Agree: 31%
Neither agree nor disagree: 8%
Disagree:3%
Strongly disagree: 2%

4.5. Test Cricket Should Be Reduced To Four Days Only

Strongly agree: 0%
Agree: 2%
Neither agree nor disagree: 15%
Disagree:36%
Strongly disagree: 47%

4.6. The ICC Should Program More ICC Events

Strongly agree: 14%
Agree: 22%
Neither agree nor disagree: 42%
Disagree:16%
Strongly disagree: 6%

4.7. The Ten Year International Program Is A Positive Move

Strongly agree: 11%
Agree: 40%
Neither agree nor disagree: 39%
Disagree:10%
Strongly disagree: 0%

4.8. Neutral Venues Should Be Used For Those Countries Effected By Civil Unrest Or Terrorist Threats

Strongly agree: 44%
Agree: 39%
Neither agree nor disagree: 13%
Disagree:3%
Strongly disagree: 1%

5. PLAYER BEHAVIOUR

5.1. I Understand The New ICC Code Of Conduct

Strongly agree: 5%
Agree: 56%
Neither agree nor disagree: 32%
Disagree:5%
Strongly disagree: 2%

5.2. ICC Referees Are Consistent In Their Findings / Penalties For Breaches Of ICC Code Of Conduct

Strongly agree: 0%
Agree: 14%
Neither agree nor disagree: 39%
Disagree:37%
Strongly disagree: 10%

5.3. The Introduction Of The New Tiered Code Of Conduct Breaches Is A Positive Move For The Game

Strongly agree: 6%
Agree: 36%
Neither agree nor disagree: 52%
Disagree:5%
Strongly disagree: 1%

5.4. Players Are Satisfied With The ICC Fine System For ICC Code Of Conduct Breaches

Strongly agree: 4%
Agree: 23%
Neither agree nor disagree: 44%
Disagree:26%
Strongly disagree: 3%

6. TECHNOLOGY

6.1. Technology Has Improved Decision Making In Cricket

Strongly agree: 14%
Agree: 54%
Neither agree nor disagree: 14%
Disagree:15%
Strongly disagree: 3%

6.2. More Technology Should Be Used In Cricket

Strongly agree: 8%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 22%
Disagree:24%
Strongly disagree: 13%

6.3. Technology Should Be Used In LBW Decisions

Strongly agree: 11%
Agree: 29%
Neither agree nor disagree: 18%
Disagree:23%
Strongly disagree: 19%

6.4. Technology Should Be Used In Bat Pad Decisions

Strongly agree: 10%
Agree: 45%
Neither agree nor disagree: 19%
Disagree:15%
Strongly disagree: 11%

6.5. Technology Should Be Used In No Ball Decisions

Strongly agree: 20%
Agree: 35%
Neither agree nor disagree: 14%
Disagree:18%
Strongly disagree: 13%

6.6. Use Of Technology And The Third Umpire Slows The Game Too Much

Strongly agree: 8%
Agree: 36%
Neither agree nor disagree: 28%
Disagree:20%
Strongly disagree: 8%

6.7. Use Of Technology Should Be Decreased In Cricket

Strongly agree: 5%
Agree: 23%
Neither agree nor disagree: 30%
Disagree:31%
Strongly disagree: 11%

7. GROUNDS AND FACILITIES

7.1. All Grounds At Which International Cricket Is Played Have Adequate Playing Facilities

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 25%
Neither agree nor disagree: 23%
Disagree:29%
Strongly disagree: 14%

7.2. The ICC Should Adopt Minimum Standards Of Playing Facilities For International Matches

Strongly agree: 41%
Agree: 43%
Neither agree nor disagree: 10%
Disagree:2%
Strongly disagree: 4%

7.3. Player Safety Procedures At All International Venues Are Adequate

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 16%
Neither agree nor disagree: 31%
Disagree:36%
Strongly disagree: 8%

7.4. Grounds Should Be Banned From Selling Beverages In Bottles And Cans At Any International Match

Strongly agree: 26%
Agree: 27%
Neither agree nor disagree: 30%
Disagree:14%
Strongly disagree: 3%

7.5. Patrons Should Not Be Allowed To Bring Bottles Or Cans Of Beverages To International Matches

Strongly agree: 22%
Agree: 35%
Neither agree nor disagree: 28%
Disagree:11%
Strongly disagree: 4%

7.6. Regardless Of The Size Of The Ground, Boundary Ropes Should Be At Least Three Metres From Perimeter Fencing

Strongly agree: 34%
Agree: 49%
Neither agree nor disagree: 10%
Disagree:7%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8. PLAYING CONDITIONS

8.1. One Day Cricket Is Becoming Too Boring
Strongly agree: 2%
Agree: 7%
Neither agree nor disagree: 9%
Disagree:60%
Strongly disagree: 22%

8.2. One-Day Cricket Should Be Played Over A Lesser Amount Of Overs Than 50

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 8%
Neither agree nor disagree: 13%
Disagree:46%
Strongly disagree: 32%

8.3. Fielding Restrictions Should Be Changed To Make The Game More Interesting During The 15 - 40 Over Mark

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 13%
Neither agree nor disagree: 32%
Disagree:34%
Strongly disagree: 20%

8.4. The White Ball Is Of Satisfactory Standard

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 53%
Neither agree nor disagree: 26%
Disagree:10%
Strongly disagree: 4%

8.5. Two White Balls Should Be Used For ODI Cricket (ie: one from either end)

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 18%
Neither agree nor disagree: 22%
Disagree:40%
Strongly disagree: 13%

8.6. The Wide Rule Is Consistently Applied In ODI's

Strongly agree: 0%
Agree: 51%
Neither agree nor disagree: 18%
Disagree:27%
Strongly disagree: 4%

8.7. One-day Cricket Standard Has Improved Over The Last Five Years

Strongly agree: 20%
Agree: 70%
Neither agree nor disagree: 10%
Disagree:0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8.8. Test Cricket Standard Has Improved Over The Last Five Years

Strongly agree: 18%
Agree: 54%
Neither agree nor disagree: 24%
Disagree:4%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8.9. Another International Team Should Be Admitted To ODI Competition

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 20%
Neither agree nor disagree: 44%
Disagree:24%
Strongly disagree: 11%

8.10. Another International Team Should Be Admitted To Test Cricket

Strongly agree:1%
Agree: 9%
Neither agree nor disagree: 42%
Disagree:27%
Strongly disagree: 21%

8.11. Artificial Lighting Should Be Used In Deteriorating Light Conditions

Strongly agree: 11%
Agree: 40%
Neither agree nor disagree: 25%
Disagree:19%
Strongly disagree: 5%

8.12. The Red Ball Is Difficult To See When Artificial Lighting Is Used

Strongly agree: 16%
Agree: 31%
Neither agree nor disagree: 43%
Disagree:10%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8.13. 90 Overs Is A Reasonable Amount Of Overs To Bowl Per Day In Test Cricket

Strongly agree: 28%
Agree: 55%
Neither agree nor disagree: 15%
Disagree:1%
Strongly disagree: 1%

8.14. Players' Should Be Fined For Failing To Bowl The Required Number Of Overs In A Days Play

Strongly agree: 8%
Agree: 49%
Neither agree nor disagree: 24%
Disagree:12%
Strongly disagree: 7%

8.15. The Captains Should Be Held Responsible For Not Bowling The Required Overs In A Days Play

Strongly agree: 3%
Agree: 24%
Neither agree nor disagree: 34%
Disagree:31%
Strongly disagree: 8%

8.16. Increased Technology And Other Initiatives Of The Game Contribute To Slow Over Rates

Strongly agree: 15%
Agree: 51%
Neither agree nor disagree: 25%
Disagree:8%
Strongly disagree: 1%

8.17. The Red Ball Is Of Satisfactory Standard

Strongly agree: 13%
Agree: 61%
Neither agree nor disagree: 23%
Disagree:3%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8.18. The Hours Of Play In Test Cricket Should Remain At Six Hours Per Day

Strongly agree: 21%
Agree: 65%
Neither agree nor disagree: 10%
Disagree:4%
Strongly disagree: 0%

8.19. The Number Of Short Pitched Balls Per Over Should Be Restricted In Test Cricket

Strongly agree: 5%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 24%
Disagree:22%
Strongly disagree: 16%

8.20. Six Penalty Runs For Unfair Play (ie: distracting batsman etc) Should Remain

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 37%
Neither agree nor disagree: 35%
Disagree:10%
Strongly disagree: 11%

8.21. Bonus Points System For ODI's Should Remain

Strongly agree: 7%
Agree: 43%
Neither agree nor disagree: 29%
Disagree:12%
Strongly disagree: 9%

8.22. I Am Aware And Understand The "ICC Bat Logo Policy"

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 46%
Neither agree nor disagree: 21%
Disagree:19%
Strongly disagree: 5%

8.23. "ICC Bat logo" Policy Should Be Relaxed To Include ICC Events

Strongly agree: 36%
Agree: 36%
Neither agree nor disagree: 23%
Disagree:2%
Strongly disagree: 3%

8.24. I Am Aware Of The ICC Procedures For "Doubtful Bowling Actions"

Strongly agree: 11%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 35%
Disagree:14%
Strongly disagree: 7%

8.25. Doubtful Bowling Actions Are A Big Problem In International Cricket

Strongly agree: 38%
Agree: 37%
Neither agree nor disagree: 18%
Disagree:5%
Strongly disagree: 2%

8.26. Players Should Continue Playing Despite Being Reported For A Doubtful Bowling Action (prior to final determination of the legitimacy of his action)

Strongly agree: 8%
Agree: 26%
Neither agree nor disagree: 21%
Disagree:23%
Strongly disagree: 22%

8.27. Players reported For A Doubtful Bowling Action Should Be Assessed Immediately By The ICC Bowling Review Group

Strongly agree: 51%
Agree: 38%
Neither agree nor disagree: 7%
Disagree:2%
Strongly disagree: 2%

8.28. ICC Communicate Playing Condition Changes To The Players Efficiently And Effectively

Strongly agree: 3%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 40%
Disagree:16%
Strongly disagree: 8%

8.29. There Are Too Many Playing Condition Changes

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 30%
Neither agree nor disagree: 51%
Disagree:9%
Strongly disagree: 1%

9. ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY

9.1. The Player Terms Extended To Me For Participation In The Champions Trophy Are Reasonable

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 12%
Neither agree nor disagree: 22%
Disagree:38%
Strongly disagree: 27%

9.2. I Am Satisfied That I Am Receiving Adequate Compensation For This Tournament

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 20%
Neither agree nor disagree: 31%
Disagree:33%
Strongly disagree: 15%

9.3. The Conditions Of The Player Terms May Have A Detrimental Effect Upon My Personal Sponsorship Opportunities In The Market Place

Strongly agree: 24%
Agree: 37%
Neither agree nor disagree: 30%
Disagree:7%
Strongly disagree: 2%

9.4. I Am Satisfied With The Manner The ICC Has Communicated To Me The Obligations Of The Player Terms

Strongly agree: 1%
Agree: 8%
Neither agree nor disagree: 25%
Disagree:38%
Strongly disagree: 28%

9.5. The ICC Must Change These Player Terms For The 2003 World Cup

Strongly agree: 54%
Agree: 33%
Neither agree nor disagree: 8%
Disagree:3%
Strongly disagree: 2%

9.6. My Governing Body Has Notified Me Of The List Of ICC Major Sponsors For The 2003 World Cup

Strongly agree: 9%
Agree: 37%
Neither agree nor disagree: 15%
Disagree:24%
Strongly disagree: 15%

10. PLAYER REPRESENTATION

10.1. My Country Needs / Has An Effective Player Association

Strongly agree: 51%
Agree: 34%
Neither agree nor disagree: 11%
Disagree:3%
Strongly disagree: 1%

10.2. Players Need An Effective International Players Association

Strongly agree: 75%
Agree: 22%
Neither agree nor disagree: 3%
Disagree:0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

10.3. I Am Prepared To Support FICA As The International Players Association

Strongly agree: 74%
Agree: 24%
Neither agree nor disagree: 2%
Disagree:0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

10.4. FICA Must Represent The International Players Positions On Cricket And Commercial Matters To The ICC.

Strongly agree: 76%
Agree: 15%
Neither agree nor disagree: 9%
Disagree:0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

10.5. Players Should Have A Greater Say In The Running Of The Game

Strongly agree: 66%
Agree: 21%
Neither agree nor disagree: 11%
Disagree: 2%
Strongly disagree: 0%

10.6. Player Representatives Should Be Chosen By The Players And Not Subject To Restrictions Imposed By The Games' Governing Bodies.

Strongly agree: 64%
Agree: 29%
Neither agree nor disagree: 7%
Disagree:0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

10.7. FICA Must Be Officially Recognised By The ICC

Strongly agree: 80%
Agree: 18%
Neither agree nor disagree: 2%
Disagree: 0%
Strongly disagree: 0%

11. THE BEST

11.1. Who Is The Best Test Batsman In The World?

Sachin Tendulkar 78%
Steve Waugh 6%
Adam Gilchrist 6%
Rahul Dravid 3%

11.2. Who Is The Best Test Bowler In The World?

Glenn McGrath 70%
Muralitharan 16%
Wasim Akram 5%
Shane Warne 5%

11.3. Who Is The Best Fielder In The World?

Jonty Rhodes 75%
Ricky Ponting 20%
Hershelle Gibbs 2%
Mark Waugh 2%

11.4. Who Is The Best ODI Batsman In the World?

Sachin Tendulkar 51%
Adam Gilchrist 16%
Michael Bevan 16%
Andy Flower 4%

11.5. Who Is The Best ODI Bowler In The World?

Glenn McGrath 46%
Muralitharun 39%
Shaun Pollock 7%
Wasim Akram 6%

11.6. Who Is The Best Umpire In The World?

Rudi Coertzen 28%
David Sheppard 25%
Steve Bucknor 12%
Peter Willey 8%

11.7. Which Is The Best Ground In The World?

Lord's 27%
MCG 24%
Newlands 15%
Gabba 7%

Mail Cricket Editor