'Big Three' to see powers reduced by ICC

Dubai - The power of India, Australia, and England in world cricket is set to be reduced as part of wide-ranging reform measures by the sport's governing body to improve its image.

"No member of the ICC is bigger than the other," ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said following a meeting of the International Cricket Council board in Dubai on Thursday.

The board agreed to approve changes that would remove the permanent positions for officials from India, Australia, and England in the executive committee and financial committee.

In a statement, the ICC said there will be a "complete review" of the constitution drawn up in 2014 that favoured the so-called "Big Three" in world cricket, "with a view to establishing governance, finance, corporate and cricketing structures that are appropriate and effective for the strategic role and function of the ICC and all of its members."

It was proposed that a new ICC chairman will be elected by the board on a two-year term starting in June, in a process overseen by an independent audit committee. While in office, the chairman "will not be allowed to hold any post with any member board," and can be re-elected for a maximum limit of three terms.

"We had very purposeful and positive meetings, and the decisions taken clearly reflect that we collectively want to improve the governance in a transparent manner, not only of the ICC but also the member boards," Manohar said. "This, in turn, will enhance the image and quality of the sport."

The ICC also announced that Sri Lanka Cricket's membership has been reinstated in full following elections in the country.