Dr Bacher's statement after England players Zimbabwe request
"We are certain the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will consider this request
WCOC Press Release
28-Jan-2003
In reaction to the call by the England cricketers, Dr Ali Bacher, Executive Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, said in a statement this afternoon:
"We are certain the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will consider this request. Whether the ECB wishes to pursue the matter with the International Cricket Council is entirely a matter for the ECB.
"As of now, the policy from the ICC - who own the tournament - is very clear. Having taken a decision that the players' safety and security is assured in Zimbabwe, they have ruled that a team will forfeit their match points if they do not honour their fixture in that country.
"In the highly unlikely event of the ICC asking us to reschedule matches from beyond our borders, we would be able to accommodate such a request."