ICC to send security delegation to Pakistan
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
The ICC has cast doubt on the viability of Pakistan as a venue for international cricket by announcing it will conduct an independent security assessment of the country before appointing officials for Sri Lanka's tour next month, reports Cricinfo.
Sri Lanka had agreed to tour after India called off their scheduled tour to the country Thursday, following a directive from the government in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. David Morgan, the ICC president, told the Indian news channel CNN-IBN that India's decision was "an acceptable non-compliance" in keeping with the organisation's rules.
"We will do an independent assessment of the situation in Pakistan to ensure the safety of the umpires and match referee," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said in Mohali during the second Test between India and England. "I am convinced the Sri Lankan board will also do everything to ascertain whether it is safe to play in Pakistan and also seek assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board."
In a statement, the ICC said that safety issues for officials and spectators were as important as those for the players. "The issue is that safety and security is not simply a matter for players; it's also a matter for everyone else - broadcasters, journalists and match officials too, as well as spectators. From the ICC's perspective, what would be required is that the match officials are afforded the same level of security as any or everyone else involved in the series."
Sri Lanka had agreed to tour after India called off their scheduled tour to the country Thursday, following a directive from the government in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. David Morgan, the ICC president, told the Indian news channel CNN-IBN that India's decision was "an acceptable non-compliance" in keeping with the organisation's rules.
"We will do an independent assessment of the situation in Pakistan to ensure the safety of the umpires and match referee," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said in Mohali during the second Test between India and England. "I am convinced the Sri Lankan board will also do everything to ascertain whether it is safe to play in Pakistan and also seek assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board."
In a statement, the ICC said that safety issues for officials and spectators were as important as those for the players. "The issue is that safety and security is not simply a matter for players; it's also a matter for everyone else - broadcasters, journalists and match officials too, as well as spectators. From the ICC's perspective, what would be required is that the match officials are afforded the same level of security as any or everyone else involved in the series."