ICC confirms status of touring obligations under the Future Tours Programme Regulation
The International Cricket Council today confirmed that the Future Tours Programme (FTP) provides that a tour should take place unless a Government prohibits such a tour by making it illegal for its cricket team to participate in that tour.
Jon Long
13-Jul-2005
The International Cricket Council today confirmed that the Future Tours Programme (FTP) provides that a tour should take place unless a Government prohibits such a tour by making it illegal for its cricket team to participate in that tour.
ICC President Ehsan Mani said that where a Government did not legally prevent its cricket team from playing against another country, the cricket board would still be expected to fulfil its obligations under the FTP.
"The FTP is the basis on which cricket around the world is able to function and it underpins the health of the game," said Mr Mani.
"All of our members understand this and work within the legal frameworks of their countries to fulfill their obligations.
"For example in the instance of England's tour of Zimbabwe last year the UK Government did not provide any such legally binding directive and the England and Wales Cricket Board fulfilled its commitment to tour.
"The ICC's members agree that it is the responsibility of Governments to provide a legal framework in which sport within their countries must operate."