ICC considers Pakistan request for neutral umpires

The ICC are considering using neutral umpires in one-day internationals in response to a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The PCB wrote to the ICC with the suggestion following the recent VB series in Australia, which they believe was marred by controversial decisions favouring the home side.

Two neutral umpires have been used in Test matches for four years. However, in ODIs only one of the two umpires is neutral - the other is from the home nation. But this could be set to change, and the matter could be discussed at the next ICC committee meeting at Lord's in May, then by chief executives of member countries before a final decision is made by the ICC executive.

Jon Long, the ICC's spokesman, confirmed on Thursday that they were giving careful consideration to Pakistan's letter. "It will be dealt with in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time," Long told AAP.