Emphatic ruling from ICC committee favours NZ stance

An emphatic decision in support of New Zealand's cancellation of its 2001 tour of Pakistan, and the withdrawal from its replacement tour in May last year, has been made by the International Cricket Council's disputes committee.

Pakistan had sought compensation under the provisions of the ICC's future tours programme.

The committee comprised: Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, Justice Albie Sachs and Steve Camacho.

In a unanimous opionion the committee said:

"In the light of the events of September 11, 2001 it was not unreasonable for NZC [New Zealand Cricket] to cancel its original tour of Pakistan. The situation in the world generally, and particularly in the region which includes Pakistan, was highly volatile and unpredictable. As it subsequently emerged, Pakistan was directly involved in the war which saw the overthrow of the Taliban regime. In the circumstances NZC's decision was acceptable.

"Given the proximity of the Karachi bomb-blast and the deaths caused by it, we find that NZC's cancellation of the re-scheduled tour in May 2002 was also acceptable.

"In the circumstances, compensation is not payable," they said.

Because of the withdrawal on the day the second Test was due to start in Karachi last year, New Zealand and Pakistan have still to resolve when they can fit the match in.

Pakistan won the first Test of the two-Test series by a massive innings and 324 runs, the heaviest loss suffered by New Zealand, when Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 329 runs for Pakistan.

There has been some talk that the match may be played before New Zealand's tour to India later this year, but nothing has been confirmed.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said he was pleased with the decision which had reflected concern for player safety and security being warranted.

Snedden said he was in consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the matter.