The tri-nation in August, and the Australian tour of Pakistan in October would take place, at neutral venues. Those under consideration are Sri Lankan, Kenya, Bangladesh, Tangiers, the Gulf and England. This was the outcome of the ICC meetings, as well as Director PCB's several discussions on the sidelines of the ICC, with President and CEO of the Australian Cricket Board.

The final decision on the tour, and the selection of venue, is likely to be made by mid-July. PCB is still pursuing the Aussies to play in Pakistan. Aussies are awaiting clearance from their Foreign Office.

The PCB has however contacted TWI to give its preference for neutral venues.

As a gesture to help the PCB, to recover its losses the ICC has promised additional One-day International tours to compensate Pakistan.

Munawar added: During the meetings the issue of resumption of Indo-Pak cricketing relations also came up for discussion. "The BCCI president Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya was requested to give a summary of the steps the Indian Board had taken for a forward movement in this regard. It was noted that the progress was slow. At the same time, the ICC and other Board members felt that the environment currently prevailing was not conducive to pursue the issue in a more proactive manner. The PCB, of course, stressed for urgency as a lot was at stake in terms or our interest", said Rana.

The Future Tours Programme (FTP) agreement would now be put up for approval in the next ICC meeting, after incorporating points raised by some members. "Pakistan stuck to its previously held position, which was that PCB will continue to honour and follow the programme, but will not sign the agreement until cricket relations with India were resumed. The other opinion was that the FTP was redone with respect to Pakistan's India tours, India's stance was that it too would not sign till the situation with Pakistan is resolved", said Rana.

While Pakistan's stake for compensation against lost profits was not accepted, the Executive Board resolved that it would formulate a policy to help members facing financial problems. It would perhaps be in the form of a loan against future earnings. A sub-committee (under Sir John Anderson of New Zealand Cricket Inc.) was given the responsibility to draft the policy.

Pakistan's permanent representative in the ICC, and now the World body's president-designate, Ehsan Mani assumed the office of ICC's vice-president. Mani would take over as president in June 2003.

Khalid Butt
Media Manager
June 29, 2002

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