ICC committed to Pakistan, talks on
The ICC is now exploring from the “security and budget perspective” the possibility of staging a T20 series involving a World XI team in Pakistan, as part of of its commitment to see international cricket return to the country.
With the sole exception of Zimbabwe, no international cricket nation has toured Pakistan since the terrorist attack on a Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.
“The feasibility of further matches in Pakistan involving a World XI is now being considered from a security and budget perspective,” the ICC said in a statement.
The International Cricket Council had sent a team to carry out inspection around the PSL final.
“The ICC Board has considered an update following the ICC delegation to the PSL final in Lahore as part of its commitment to support the return of international bilateral cricket to Pakistan as long as it is safe for players, officials, media and fans.”
The four-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is intended to continue the reintroduction of top-level cricket to the country after a eight-year hiatus.
At the end of five days of ICC’s Board and Committee meetings, the principles behind a revised ICC World T20 2020 global qualification structure were endorsed by the Development Committee and ICC management will now develop a more detailed proposal for consideration at the ICC Board in June.
According to the apex body, work on bringing more context to international bilateral cricket is ongoing with the matter discussed at the Chief Executives’ Committee and in an additional workshop.
“The ICC Board noted the collective will to resolve the current calendar congestion in order to bring a clear framework to all three formats.”
Noting the BCCI’s commitment to reconsidering the matter in the near future, the Chief Executives’ Committee reconfirmed its support for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It has been a very productive week. Progress has been made on a number of significant issues, in particular around international cricket structures.
“Efforts to find a solution, enhancing the context of international bilateral cricket and retaining the relevance of the international game, will continue.”
The ICC Board approved a new Code of Ethics in line with global best practice.
The feasibility of further matches in Pakistan involving a World XI is now being considered from a security and budget perspective.