Germon said the ICC had to step in and rule that teams must play as much cricket as reasonably possible.

``When you let teams have the choice of whether to play or not you often don't get agreement,'' Germon said.

India rejected several initiatives by New Zealand to make up lost playing time in the first cricket test at Carisbrook. The match was eventually abandoned. They were:

Refusing an experimental law enabling the lights to be turned on in darker conditions.

Declining the chance to play for longer periods on succeeding days.

Rejecting a suggestion that an extra day be added once the first day was washed out.

``New Zealand made some very positive moves in that regard but India looked at the other end of things. The ICC should give the match referees the power to say 'you will play' by making rule changes,'' Germon said.

He said a lot of sponsorship, and promotional and advertising resources were involved in a five-day test.

``The players still get paid and, provided the requests are reasonable, I think we need to get as much play as possible.''

India rejected lights because of problems for players from both sides distinguishing the red ball. However, test umpire Steve Dunne said if there was a concern or danger, the players could still come off.

The issue is likely to be discussed when the ICC's executive committee meets in Christchurch on January 10 and 11.

Germon was in Dunedin as part of his role as a Bank of New Zealand executive. The BNZ is the major sponsor of the test series.

He said he has had no regrets with his decision to retire from the game at the end of last season

Through his job and some coaching he still maintained a close involvement with the sport.