August 8th, 2005
Dear Cricketers of USA:
It is indeed a sad day for all the US Cricketers and Cricket lovers across the nation as we lost our chances to be at the Inter-Continental Cup tournament in Canada and ICC handed our spot to Cayman Islands. We sincerely feel for you as we had taken all the necessary measures every step of the way to ensure such an action would not happen. The CLP Interim committee would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all, for the missed opportunity for the Senior USA team at the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2005.
ICC mandated that both parties mutually and consensually select and agree upon a squad. When the deadline came for the team to be submitted a squad different from the one that was agreed upon was submitted without our consent and knowledge. In spite of last minute negotiations both parties could not agree upon the final squad. The decision to submitting this team was challenged by the CLP Interim committee and the CLP selection body to the
ICC.
ICC issued the following directive as of August 7th, 2005.
Despite promising signs to the effect that concessions were being made and that there was a possibility that consensus could be achieved, it is now clear that agreement has not been reached on a team to represent USA in the forthcoming Intercontinental Cup.
ICC has been extremely patient in seeking to enable the two parties to agree on a team. The initial deadline has been extended in order to seek agreement and we were very hopeful that progress was being made. Our over-riding consideration has been to seek a solution that allows cricketers to represent their country in international competition. It is very disappointing for all concerned that you have not been able to agree on the final composition of the team.
After considering the latest exchange of correspondence, we have reached the stage where we accept that agreement will not be reached. We are not able to wait any longer as it is necessary to finalise details of the competing teams.
Accordingly, please be advised that the invitation to USA to take part in the Intercontinental Cup for 2005 is withdrawn with immediate effect.
An invitation will be extended today to Cayman Islands to take the place previously offered to USA.
By way of comment, neither party should see this outcome as a victory. Regrettably, the game of cricket in the USA and the cricketers who seek to play cricket for USA at the highest level are again the losers.
Signed electronically
Mr. Malcolm Speed
The CLP Interim Committee would like to reiterate that while this is an unfortunate incidence of serious national consequence we are currently persuing legal means to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We are thankful for your continued support to ensure the future of the game of Cricket in USA is protected.
Sincerely yours
CLP Interim Committee
Polam Veman Reddy
Tariq Ahmad
Krish Persaud
Manaf Mohammed
Jefroy Morrishaw
Arun Vittala
Joe Buffong
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