Premium
This is an archive article published on February 4, 2009

‘Aus-Pak ODI series may be off if ICL players selected’

A media report has said that Australia may boycott the ODI series to be held at a neutral venue if ICL players are selected.

The one-day series between Australia and Pakistan in April could run into trouble with Cricket Australia threatening to call off the tour if Pakistan select players aligned with the Indian Cricket League.

Nineteen cricketers who have joined the ICL can play in Pakistan’s domestic competition after the Sindh High Court granted an interim order lifting the ban.

‘Herald Sun’ newspaper reported that Australia may boycott the five-match series to be held at a neutral venue if players like Mohammad Yousuf,who ply their trade in the ICL,are selected in the Pakistan team.

Story continues below this ad

“Cricket Australia does not support the ICL and could boycott the one-day series should players from the outcast Twenty20 tournament be selected for Pakistan,” the report said.

Pakistan Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani was quoted as saying by the report that his government was keen for the likes of Yousuf to once again play for the national side despite being blacklisted by International Cricket Council.

“We would like them (ICL players) to come back to Pakistan team,everybody should get the chance to play for Pakistan. It is ultimately for PCB to decide,” he said.

“If our board thinks India is being adversarial or influencing ICC,they should speak so that Pakistan can get a favourable outcome,whatever the politics that are going on.”

Story continues below this ad

Pakistan and Australia have agreed to play the ODI series in United Arab Emirates due to security fears.

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement