Giles Clarke believes the next World Cup is a 'huge thing' for the ICC and it has 'to get it right'.
English cricket boss critical of 2007 event
English cricket chief Giles Clarke believes the next World Cup is a 'huge thing' for the International Cricket Council and it has 'to get it right'.
Clarke believes the world governing body has to deliver in two years time in Asia after the disappointing 2007 event in the Caribbean.
With the increasing popularity of Twenty20, there is a worry within the game that another World Cup with few exciting contests will undermine the credibility of the 50-over showpiece.
Speaking in an interview in January's
Wisden Cricketer magazine, the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman said: "We have to care about the World Cup as a major event.
Unsuccessful
"The 2007 World Cup was unsuccessful in virtually every feasible aspect.
"The 2011 World Cup is a huge thing for the ICC because they have to get it right."
Clarke believes Test cricket is the summit of the game but hinted it needs the ICC to restructure the future tours programme to ensure its continued prosperity.
He added: "The game has to decide what the ICC does, what is its role.
Not practical
"It has to determine its calendar over a lengthy period. Four years is not practical.
"At the same time we have to respect quality. Test cricket is the summit of the game and it must be played by the best countries. There is no doubt that when Test cricket is good, it is wonderful."
England recently safeguarded their most high-profile Test series by agreeing 'icon' status with both South Africa and India, meaning they will now compete in five-match campaigns against those countries in addition to Australia.
