Chris Cairns: Right choice made on tour's end

The actions, during the tsunami crisis, of New Zealand Cricket drew criticism from some quarters this week and in my opinion it was totally unfounded. Martin Snedden is the public face of NZ Cricket and we are very fortunate to have an individual at the helm of our organisation who can combine business and commercial sense with knowledge and player's perspective. He has been in the players' shoes. He is extremely thorough, well thought-out and very deliberate in his judgement.

It was not a decision for NZ Cricket to make to keep the Sri Lankans here. NZ Cricket supported whatever decision the Sri Lankan board deemed was in the best interests of the team. Early on in this disaster, before the full extent of the devastation unfolded, it was felt by Sri Lanka that it was best the players continued.
In their obvious state of panic, the Sri Lankans felt they would incur a penalty from the ICC but, once this issue was rectified by the ICC and revealed that consent from both boards was enough to cancel the tour, both boards agreed to send the Sri Lankans home.

Who is to blame for the decision taking longer than some people thought it should have? No-one. This is a massive disaster. People globally are affected and for those of us not directly affected by the loss of a friend or relative, the harrowing images that are now being shown on our TV screens highlight the need for the world to band together to support those throughout Asia.

Forget the pettiness or grandstanding of some people, trying to lay blame at people's feet for something that is not there to be debated.

The players are now at home where they should be.

Our energies should be concentrated on what we can do for them now.

With the Sri Lankans heading to their homeland, it has now given the State domestic competition new focus. Never before have the Black Caps been involved in an almost full competition. It will allow those on the fringes to push for selection in the Black Caps. It will allow the New Zealand cricket public to support and see their own provincial teams at full strength. I am thoroughly looking forward to this chance to get back to our grass roots and I hope the main issue that has plagued our domestic cricket will not surface - pitches.

For too long we have had substandard wickets at domestic level. If we are going to be a force at international level, our players need the best possible surfaces.

There have been many advances made throughout our game here but good pitches are non-negotiable and need to be at their best. If we can win in this area it truly will aid us in the journey to the top of the game.