ICC CEO: India-Pak Bound by Agreement, No Threat to WC Clash

Richardson also clarifies India took prior permission to sport camouflage caps during their third ODI vs Australia.

ICC CEO Dave Richardson has said there is no threat to the India-Pakistan clash at the ICC World Cup 2019 as both teams are contractually bound to play.

(Photo: Reuters/Altered by The Quint)

International Cricket Council CEO Dave Richardson on Monday, 18 March, said he doesn’t forsee any threat to the high-profile India-Pakistan clash at the World Cup, insisting that the two teams are bound by an ICC agreement to show up.

“For ICC events, all teams have signed a members’ participation agreement which requires them to participate in all the matches of the tournament and (in case of) any unjustified non-compliance with that provision, the playing conditions will kick in and the points will be awarded accordingly (to the other team).”

Dave Richardson, ICC CEO

There have been widespread calls for India to boycott their ICC World Cup 2019 game against Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Manchester on 16 June, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Responding to the outrage, the Committee of Administrators running Indian cricket also wrote a letter to the ICC urging it to boycott countries from where “terrorism emanates”, but did not specifically name Pakistan.

No Issue Around India’s Camouflage Caps

Another recent controversy surrounding India and Pakistan erupted when the Indian team wore camouflage military caps during their third ODI against Australia at Ranchi on 8 March as a mark of respect to the Indian armed forces. The Indian squad also donated its match fee to the National Defence Fund.

The gesture was met with strong objection from Pakistan, who wrote to the world body accusing India of politicising the game.

The ICC, however, clarified that the Indian team took prior permission, and that there was no political motive involved.

“The ICC's motto is clear we don't want to mix politics with sports,” said Richardson.

“In this case, it was a one-off consent. It was granted subject to the message around the wearing of the caps simply being sympathy with the people, who had lost their lives in the (Pulwama) attack and in particular, to help them raise funds for the families of the people who had lost their lives.”

Dave Richardson, ICC CEO

The Indian team sported camouflage caps as a tribute to the Indian armed forces during their third ODI against Australia at Ranchi on 8 March.(Photo: AP)

Global Perception on Pak Changing

Asked about the ICC’s role in the resumption of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, Richardson said it was completely up to the two cricketing boards.

The ICC CEO said the perception about Pakistan among the rest of the world is slowly changing, and the world body is supporting its member board to bring back international cricket to the nation.

He also said that the successful hosting of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will do a world of good towards achieving the goal.

Richardson also thanked foreign players, who made the trip to Pakistan for PSL.

“Step-by-step, certainly Pakistan is on the right path,” he said, assuring ICC's support to the PCB in its efforts to encourage foreign teams to visit Pakistan.