ICC powerless to prevent Pakistan boycott, says Lorgat

International cricket chiefs admitted on Friday that they would be powerless to prevent any mass pullout from September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Responding to suggestions that players and even teams may skip the event because of security fears, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We cannot force players to attend. All we can do is make them confident about the measures taken in regard to safety and security and on that basis hope they participate."

Holders Australia, who are also world champions, and other key nations could refuse to play in the tournament after the ICC decided Thursday to go ahead with the event in Pakistan.

The Australian and New Zealand players' associations have called on their country's governing bodies not to send teams, while England players will be asked if they want to travel.

The ICC will appoint a commission to look into ensuring security at the September 11-28 showpiece, but it was not enough to ease fears about the threat of militant attacks.

Lorgat said the objective of setting up a task force was to ensure the interests of all the stakeholders involved. "That is the reason we are putting together a task team inviting all the main stakeholders including FICA (Federation of International Cricketers' Associations), so the process is inclusive," said Lorgat.

"We won't speculate on teams not taking part or any action if that did occur. There was no indication that would happen during the telephone hook-up of ICC Directors on Thursday."

ICC board to decide Champions Trophy fate on Thursday

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will decide on Thursday whether Pakistan can host the Champions Trophy in September amid security fears in the country.

A teleconference of the ICC executive board "will take place on Thursday to take a decision on Champions Trophy," an ICC spokesman told AFP on Tuesday.

The year's biggest one-day tournament features the top eight Test nations -- Australia, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies. It is scheduled to be held in Pakistan September 11-28.

But Australia, England and New Zealand have raised concerns about security in Pakistan, which is battling militants in tribal areas.

The ICC held a meeting on Sunday at its Dubai headquarters to inform the teams of the security arrangements made by Pakistan in the Asia Cup in June-July and its plans for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan held a peaceful six-nation Asian event from June 24 to July 6.

However, a suicide bomb blast in capital Islamabad earlier this month killed 19 people and a series of small bombings rocked the port city of Karachi, which renewed security fears.

Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are home to the three Trophy venues.

Sri Lanka, the designated alternative venue for the tournament, is also facing renewed violence between Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops.

South Africa and England have been tipped as potential alternate locations for the event.

MCC to challenge ICC decision declaring forfeited Pak-England Test a draw

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), the body which governs the laws of cricket, has decided to challenge the ICC's last week's decision to change the result of the Test match between England and Pakistan, at the Brit Oval in 2006, to a draw. Initially the match was decided as 'forfeited' after Pakistan refused to play against England after a ball-tampering row.

MCC Secretary Keith Bradshaw said the ICC verdict (to alter the match result) "contravened the spirit of the game as well as the Laws".

The Club's world committee is also opposed to any alteration to Law 21, which states that the result should not be changed, Keith said and added: "Cricket is the worse for this decision and it was opposed unanimously by the ICC's cricket committee, on which I sit."

New ICC president David Morgan also said that he had also opposed the ICC decision, which overruled its cricket committee.

In addition, Robert Griffiths, QC, who represented Darrell Hair, the umpire who accused Pakistan of ball-tampering, at his tribunal hearing against the ICC, claimed that the ruling was "unprecedented and dangerous". The ICC had no power to change the result, he added. "It is historical revisionism of the worst kind. It was plainly connected to the negotiations over Zimbabwe. I have been emasculated so as to appease Zimbabwe and its allies and for the questionable purpose of ensuring that the ICC World Twenty20 comes to England next year," timesonline.com quoted Griffiths as saying.

He added: "Law 21(10) is unequivocal: once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the correctness of the scores, the result cannot be changed. The reasoning is vacuous. It was, officially, 'based on the view that in light of the unique set of circumstances, the original result was felt to be inappropriate'. This is even though ICC board member witnesses admitted under oath at Hair's tribunal that the umpires' decisions were in accordance with the Laws."

Chappell blasts ICC for letting Zim stay on

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has lashed out at the ICC for adding yet another "ignominious" chapter in its "chequered history" by allowing Zimbabwe to stay on board and bending rules to placate Pakistan.

In a bitter outburst, Chappell said the Zimbabwe issue has become a "raging bushfire" because of the ICC's inaction and the same holds true for the Oval Test, the result of which was changed from a forfeit win for England to a draw in the ICC executive meeting last week.

Zimbabwe was allowed to keep its full membership on the ICC Board in lieu of opting out of the Twenty20 World Championship in England.

The decision means that the strife-torn African country's board will continue to get the ICC's financial aid despite audit reports giving damning evidence of bungling in Zimbabwe Cricket's accounts. And Chappell said he was livid with the way ICC has dealt with the matter.

"The ICC's structure means it often doesn't react quickly to issues, and smouldering embers regularly turn into raging bushfires," Chappell was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

"The structure also encourages board executives to think of their country first and the game last and consequently the ICC has had a number of ignominious days in its chequered history," he added.

"However, this latest meeting surpassed all their previous efforts and it now seems as though the only ones they are fooling are themselves."

Chappell also took a dig at ZC chief Peter Chingoka's claim that Zimbabwe pulled out of the Twenty20 World Cup in the larger interest of the game.

"More like they pulled out of the tournament to keep everyone happy on a board renowned for its politicking and power-broking, and in return ZC retained all its perks," Chappell said.

The former Aussie captain was no less annoyed with the decision to change the result of Oval Test, which was deemed forfeited after Pakistan refused to take the field in protest of accusations of ball-tampering.

"Throughout the 129 years of Test cricket prior to the Oval, many teams have been wronged. In the end common sense always prevailed - until all sanity flew out of the Pakistan dressing room window at The Oval and they refused to play on," Chappell said.

"A forfeit was the only conclusion to be drawn from Pakistan's actions and only the ICC could come to any other decision," he added.

ICC ready to shift Champions Trophy: chief

World cricket Chief Haroon Logart on Monday promised to pull the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan if there was any threat of violence, after a deadly suicide blast on the night of the Asia Cup final.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive vowed no compromise on safety after 19 were killed in the capital Islamabad.

"The ICC will not compromise the safety and security of any individual at one of its tournaments and if it is not appropriate to play in any country then we will not do so," Logart said in a statement.

Players from Australia, New Zealand and England have expressed concern over playing in Pakistan, which is due to hold the prestigious Champions Trophy from September 11-28.

Rawalpindi, one of three venues for the tournament, adjoins Islamabad where 14 policemen and five civilians were killed and scores injured in Sunday's attack.

Sri Lanka is the designated alternative venue but is also facing renewed violence between Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops, with South Africa mentioned as a possible replacement.

Lorgat said security was monitored during the Asia Cup while an ICC executive board meeting last week discussed an independent assessment. A security process had also been agreed ahead of the tournament, he said.

"Our consultants on security have been working with the Pakistan authorities during the Asia Cup and will report back to us as soon as possible with their views," he said.

A private security expert, hired by Australia, New Zealand and England has said there was work to be done ahead of the Champions Trophy.

"Some fine-tuning needs to be done and everyone acknowledges that," Reg Dickason said last week.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf, who attended the ICC meeting, said he was confident the biennial 'mini-World Cup' will be held in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup final in Karachi, beating India by 100 runs.

Champions Trophy may be moved: ICC

WORLD cricket chief Haroon Logart promised to pull the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan if there was any threat of violence, after a deadly suicide blast on the night of the Asia Cup final.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive vowed no compromise on safety after 19 were killed in the capital Islamabad.

"The ICC will not compromise the safety and security of any individual at one of its tournaments and if it is not appropriate to play in any country then we will not do so," Logart said in a statement.

Players from Australia, New Zealand and England have expressed concern over playing in Pakistan, which is due to hold the prestigious Champions Trophy from September 11-28.

Rawalpindi, one of three venues for the tournament, adjoins Islamabad where 14 policemen and five civilians were killed and scores injured in Sunday's attack.

Sri Lanka is the designated alternative venue but is also facing renewed violence between Tamil Tiger rebels and government troops, with South Africa mentioned as a possible replacement.

Logart said security was monitored during the Asia Cup while an ICC executive board meeting last week discussed an independent assessment. A security process had also been agreed ahead of the tournament, he said.

"Our consultants on security have been working with the Pakistan authorities during the Asia Cup and will report back to us as soon as possible with their views," he said.

A private security expert, hired by Australia, New Zealand and England has said there was work to be done ahead of the Champions Trophy.

"Some fine-tuning needs to be done and everyone acknowledges that," Reg Dickason said last week.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf, who attended the ICC meeting, said he was confident the biennial 'mini-World Cup' will be held in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup final in Karachi, beating India by 100 runs.

Holding Leaves ICC In Protest

West Indies legend Michael Holding has resigned from the International Cricket Council over their decision to change the result of the controversial 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan.

Pakistan were originally deemed to have forfeited the game after they refused to return to the field following an allegation of ball tampering from umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove.

The tourists were later cleared of the latter offence and Thursday saw the outcome of the match changed from an England win to a draw.

Holding agrees Pakistan were innocent of ball-tampering but insists their refusal to retake the field should have been punished.

"When you take certain actions, you must be quite happy to suffer the consequences," he said.

"That game should never, ever be a draw.

"I have just written my letter of resignation to the ICC Cricket Committee because I cannot agree with what they've done.

"A lot of things that are happening today I don't want to be involved with, so I've moved on."

Zimbabwe gathers ICC vote support

Support for Zimbabwe appears to be growing in the sub-continent ahead of this week's International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has already stated it will not host a tour by Zimbabwe next year.

And Cricket South Africa has also cut its ties with Zimbabwe because of the political situation in the country.

But India and Pakistan have indicated they will not support any move to expel Zimbabwe from the ICC.

"There is no reason to remove Zimbabwe," said Niranjan Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

"We understand England's position because their government wants Zimbabwe out but we will back Zimbabwe to stay in the ICC."

The Pakistan Cricket Board, meanwhile, has made it clear that it will send its A team on a tour to Zimbabwe in August as scheduled, irrespective of any action taken by the ICC, who have a board meeting on Wednesday and Thursday.

And the Press Trust of India has quoted a PCB spokesman as saying: "We don't think Zimbabwe cricket should face penalties because of political issues in that country. We will not support any sanctions."

Seven of the 10 full ICC members would have to vote in favour of expulsion for such a proposal to go through - and Zimbabwe itself is one of the 10.

If India and Pakistan line up alongside them, it would only require one more vote in Zimbabwe's favour for the proposal to be defeated.

If, however, Zimbabwe Cricket retains its full member status, England's hopes of hosting next year's ICC World Twenty20 tournament could be put in jeopardy.

Although the ICC would not take punitive action against the ECB for preventing Zimbabwe touring in the light of a formal government instruction, refusal to allow a full member to take part in the World Twenty20 could result in the tournament being moved elsewhere.

Such a move would be a huge financial blow to the ECB, with huge crowds expected at the three grounds chosen to host matches. The tournament schedule has already been published and tickets go on sale on Monday.

The UK government will reassess the situation if the ICC insists that Zimbabwe play in the World Twenty20 but is holding a firm line in its calls for a boycott because of the close links between Zimbabwe Cricket and the regime of president Robert Mugabe.

Culture secretary Andy Burnham told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek: "The first step is we'll meet the ECB, listen to their report back of the meeting and consider the arguments.

"If we haven't held sway we would listen to the arguments of the other ICC members but our position is completely clear.

"We think, in the current circumstances in Zimbabwe, it isn't right for any tour to take place."

However, he added: "I would not want to be in a position of overruling a governing body in sport. I vigorously defend the independence of our sporting bodies and will always to that."

India, Pakistan cricket boards support Zimbabwe

Even as the International Cricket Council (ICC) debates Zimbabwe's suspension at its board meeting in Dubai Sunday, the Asian bloc, including the Indian cricket board, has pledged full support to the troubled African nation.

The volatile political situation in Zimbabwe prompted one of its strong ally, South Africa, and England to severe all cricketing ties with it.

The ECB called their 2009 tour last week to Zimbabwe under instructions from the British government over the growing violence in the country.

The ICC, who has so far maintained a clear policy of keeping sport away from the political upheavals in Zimbabwe, is going to re-consider its decision to allow Zimbabwe enjoy the status of Full Member of the governing body in the wake of recent developments.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it would support Zimbabwe's continuance as full member of the ICC in the board meeting. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it would continue with their 'A' team's tour to Zimbabwe even if it faces sanctions from the cricket's governing body.

The support of Indian and Pakistan cricket boards might come as a respite for Zimbabwe.

'We are very clear that we would like to fully support Zimbabwe on the issue of full membership of the ICC,' Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Niranjan Shah was quoted as saying in The Dawn here.

Shah said the BCCI was aware that some member boards want Zimbabwe's membership to be taken away, but said they have decided to back Zimbabwe on the issue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, said it will continue with its planned tour of their 'A' team to Zimbabwe from August 20, regardless of any sanctions that might be taken against the African nation by the ICC.

South Africa's outgoing ICC president Ray Mali has placed Zimbabwe on the agenda for a two-day meeting of the ICC board.

Flower Calls For ICC Action On Zimbabwe

Five years ago Andy Flower famously donned a black armband to mourn the death of democracy in Zimbabwe - now he is prepared to mourn the death of its cricket thanks to "Robert Mugabe's despicable clan".

Flower, 40, undoubtedly his country's greatest player, visualises a long haul back if, as anticipated, Zimbabwe are banished by the International Cricket Council next week.

Their future in the sport has come under the spotlight after the withdrawal of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai from the second round of the country's general election triggered a sporting sanction from South Africa.

Following further social decline under Mugabe's abominable regime, South Africa's cricket board severed bilateral arrangements with their neighbours and, as a result, the ICC hierarchy have been asked to decide Zimbabwe's fate next Wednesday - and if seven full member countries are in agreement they will be kicked out.

The British Government is, meanwhile, set to nail its colours firmly to the mast today when it hands over a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board, signed by culture secretary Andy Burnham, outlining plans to ban the Zimbabwe team from entering the country for next year's one-day matches and ICC World Twenty20.

"There will have to be a government change for cricket to move forward there," said Flower, England's batting coach.

"Because the people in charge of cricket there at the moment are part of Robert Mugabe's supporters - they are all in bed with him.

"It's going to take a long time to turn things around as domestic cricket is in such a poor state there. We were never strong but it's in such a poor state now.

"It's very sad. So many people gave up so much time and energy to get us into international cricket in the first place - people who weren't paid.

"They did it for the love of the game and the love of their country. It is now pretty much ruined."

Former Zimbabwe captain Flower added: "I'm no politician when it comes to the ICC but I do know that Peter Chingoka is part of Mugabe's despicable clan and the fact that he's allowed to prance around with the ICC colours on and sit on ICC committees is embarrassing.

"And embarrassing for the ICC to have him on there - he's just not a good enough person to be making decisions about anything, especially not the finances of the ICC for instance."

Flower's powerful 2003 protest alongside black team-mate Henry Olonga grabbed the attention of the world beyond cricket's boundaries.

But the atrocities in Zimbabwe have been covered over in cricket ever since, until South Africa's decision to say enough is enough.

"Things are spiralling out of control so quickly in Zimbabwe now," Flower added. "I hope someone does something to arrest that.

"If suspending Zimbabwe from the ICC is the first step then that's good.

"I support a suspension. We should not have normal relations with a country in such an abnormal state. I don't think they should play in England next year on either the tour or in the ICC World Twenty20."

Zimbabwe are due on a one-day tour here next year and then take part in Group A of the ICC World Twenty20.

When Zimbabwe last toured England in 2003, guidance rather than firm instruction was forthcoming from Westminster, which meant the ECB was forced to proceed or be hit with financial punishment.

Highlighting a change in mood, however, a Government spokesman said: "Under the current circumstances it's the Government's view that the tour would clearly be unwelcome.

"We would also have serious concerns about Zimbabwe participating in the Twenty20 World Cup."

PCB Allay Security Fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board have dismissed fears over security when the country hosts the Champions Trophy in September.

Several Australia and New Zealand players have announced this week that they would refuse to travel to Pakistan regardless of assurances on safety from the International Cricket Council.

However, a delegation of ICC officials, including security experts, visited Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi - the three venues - and declared they were satisfied with the arrangements.

ICC president Ray Mali has predictably given Pakistan a boost by saying the PCB was well prepared to host the tournament.

PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan told The News the board is yet to receive official communication on the matter from either Australia or New Zealand.

"We've been hearing through media reports that there may be concerns among some of the players about the Champions Trophy," Zakir said.

"But we are not taking any of it seriously unless there is an official confirmation from the boards of those countries."

An ICC official claimed the world body was ready to deal with any reservations which teams or players had about playing in Pakistan.

"We will deal with any team's concerns and reservations when the need arises (but) let's not answer hypothetical questions at this stage," said ICC communication manager Samiul-Hasan.

"The ICC and the PCB have set high standards for the tournament and we will ensure the event fits those standards."

The ICC will make a final decision on whether Pakistan will host the tournament at their executive meeting in Dubai on June 29. Sri Lanka is the alternative host nation.

PCB Allay Security Fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board have dismissed fears over security when the country hosts the Champions Trophy in September.

Several Australia and New Zealand players have announced this week that they would refuse to travel to Pakistan regardless of assurances on safety from the International Cricket Council.

However, a delegation of ICC officials, including security experts, visited Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi - the three venues - and declared they were satisfied with the arrangements.

ICC president Ray Mali has predictably given Pakistan a boost by saying the PCB was well prepared to host the tournament.

PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan told The News the board is yet to receive official communication on the matter from either Australia or New Zealand.

"We've been hearing through media reports that there may be concerns among some of the players about the Champions Trophy," Zakir said.

"But we are not taking any of it seriously unless there is an official confirmation from the boards of those countries."

An ICC official claimed the world body was ready to deal with any reservations which teams or players had about playing in Pakistan.

"We will deal with any team's concerns and reservations when the need arises (but) let's not answer hypothetical questions at this stage," said ICC communication manager Samiul-Hasan.

"The ICC and the PCB have set high standards for the tournament and we will ensure the event fits those standards."

The ICC will make a final decision on whether Pakistan will host the tournament at their executive meeting in Dubai on June 29. Sri Lanka is the alternative host nation.

Asif liable for punishment under WADA: ICC

The ICC is keeping a close watch on the drug scandal involving Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif in Dubai and the embattled bowler would be liable to penalties under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules once he is released from detention.

ICC's Director of Cricket Operations Dave Richardson told a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday that the governing body has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to keep it updated on the Asif issue.

"As far as we know he has not been charged as yet. But since the ICC is a signatory of WADA regulations if he is charged then he is liable to penalties under WADA code of

conduct," he added.

Asif has been in detention in Dubai since June 1 for alleged possession of contraband drugs.

Although the Attorney General of Dubai has started proceedings into his case, a official at the Pakistan embassy in Dubai said the AG would meet Asif's lawyers and embassy officials only in another three days' time.

"So far he has not been charged with anything and we are hopeful he will be released soon," the official said.

The official said he met Asif in detention.

Richardson said the ICC had asked the PCB to keep it informed on the Asif case as it was a signatory to WADA rules, now prevalent for every major ICC event like the Champions Trophy.

PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said the board was doing everything within its power to resolve the Asif case.

"Our lawyers are working on it and the good thing is Asif has still not been charged as yet under any offence. So we are hopeful he will be back home soon," he said.

ICC gives Pakistan all-clear for Champions Trophy

Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy in September provided there are no safety and security fears, a top official of the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

ICC acting chief executive Dave Richardson was speaking ahead of the launching ceremony of the biennial event which Pakistan hosts from September 11-28.

"At this point in time we are comfortable with the decision that Pakistan has the ability to host the Champions Trophy but we will continue to monitor security as it is fluid like anywhere in the world," Richardson said.

The top eight Test playing countries Australia, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies will compete in the Trophy, regarded as the second biggest event after the World Cup.

The ICC last month assessed security measures at the three cities Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi which will host the matches and a report will be put before its board meeting starting in Dubai on June 29.

"It is impossible to say that any country would be the final to host an event. Things can change and I think it is wrong to say that there is any question of a deadline but our board will take a decision on that," said Richardson.

However February's national elections and formation of a new government have improved the security situation which prompted Australia to reschedule the tour into two visits, with the five-match one-day series in 2009 and Tests in 2010.

Richardson, a former South African wicket-keeper batsman, agreed there may still be security concerns in Pakistan.

"I think that it is safe to say that there may be some players, organisations and member countries who might express some concerns from time to time over the safety situation in Pakistan," he said.

"It must be remembered that safety and security of players, teams, official and spectators is always the concern of the ICC. This one is no exception; the ICC will take no chance on safety and security of those stakeholders."

The Federation of International Cricketers' Association chief executive Tim May on Tuesday criticised the decision to hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, given the security situation in the country.

Richardson said Pakistan had the responsibility to host the event in a safe environment.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC have put together a process that is able to deal with the security situation and would enable us to monitor the situation on daily basis from now and until to the conclusion of the event," said Richardson.

PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said Pakistan would ensure a successful Trophy.

"The Pakistan government has promised foolproof security arrangements, so we are up to it and since people are passionate about cricket, the event will be well attended and successful," said Naghmi.

Sri Lanka is the alternate venue in case the event has to be shifted from Pakistan. The 2006 tournament was held in India.

Umpire decision review system set for Sri Lanka v India series

ICC acting Chief Executive Officer David Richardson said on Tuesday the decision to trial the umpire decision review system in this year's Sri Lanka v India Test series is an attempt by the ICC to enhance still further the game at international level.

According to ICC media release, the system will see the fielding and batting side allowed three unsuccessful appeals to the umpire per innings to change a decision if it is perceived to have been incorrect.

These appeals can be made only by the batsman in receipt of the umpire's original decision or the captain of the fielding side, in both cases by the player making a "T" sign with both forearms at shoulder height.

The on-field umpire will consult with the third umpire, who will review available television coverage of the incident before relaying fact-based information back to his colleague.

The on-field umpire will then deliver his decision either by raising his finger to indicate "out" or by crossing his hands in a horizontal position side to side in front and above his waist three times - as per a "safe" decision by an official in baseball.

Commenting on the decision to adopt the review system, Richardson, a former Test and ODI player for South Africa said, "The ICC is extremely grateful to both Sri Lanka and India for agreeing to take part in this trial.

"Our Emirates Elite and International Panel umpires already ensure the vast majority of decisions made in any Test or ODI are correct but we want to see if we can enhance the game further by reducing or removing the few clearly incorrect ones.

"The fact that each side is allowed only three unsuccessful requests to review in each innings should mean that players will not make frivolous challenges and, instead, only seek a referral to decisions that, it is quickly clear, are highly likely to be incorrect.

"By seeking to reduce these potentially contentious decisions we believe we can help remove a source of tension and frustration among players and spectators as well as any resultant pressure on umpires.

"At the same time we have sought to ensure the continued primacy of the on-field umpire. The man on the field's role is to consult with his colleague, not to refer the decision away, and he still decides whether or not to change his original decision.

"Once the series is over we will conduct a thorough review of the process before deciding whether the trial was successful and worth persevering with."

Duleep Mendis, a former international captain and Chief Executive Officer of host for the trial Sri Lanka Cricket, welcomed the initiative.

"I think this is a very good idea," he said. "As a past player we used to say that good and bad decisions would even themselves out but times have changed, the stakes are much higher now for all concerned and if the technology is available then why not use it?

"It may be new to the players but I am sure they will be very positive. There are always going to be question marks when a new thing is trialed but no one likes to see anyone get an incorrect decision and if this can help reduce that then why not give it a try?"

Slow-motion replays, the wicket-to-wicket "mat", sound from stump microphones and ball-tracking technology up to the point of impact on the pad will be available for use by the television umpire.

Snick-detecting devices and "hot-spot" technology will not be used in this trial.

The decision to proceed with the trial at international level follows a recommendation by the ICC Chief Executives' Committee in its February meeting in Kuala Lumpur and subsequent adoption of that recommendation by the ICC Board during its March meeting in Dubai.

Detailed playing conditions explaining the process for players and officials involved in the review system will be released in due course.

The three-Test series between Sri Lanka and India begins with the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo starting on 23 July. The second Test in Galle begins on 31 July and the third and final match of the series takes place at the R Premadasa Stadium, also in Colombo, from 8 August.

Tests to be jazzed up amid T20 threat: ICC

Cricket chiefs are working on plans to make Test matches more attractive and ensure the popular Twenty20 format does not destroy the traditional five-day game, a senior official said on Friday.

Inderjit Bindra, who joins the International Cricket Council (ICC) next month in the newly-created post of principal advisor, said the governing body was concerned at the dwindling attendances at Test matches.

"We need to learn from our experiences and move forward," Bindra was quoted as saying in the latest issue of the Indian news magazine 'The Week'.

"We in the ICC have had very serious discussions for the last six to eight months on how to repackage Test cricket, make it more exciting and introduce an element of competition.

"It does not mean tinkering with the form but we are looking to bringing in more audience in Test matches," he said.

Bindra, a former president of the Indian cricket board, declined to reveal the measures being considered but said the "the ICC was looking at ways to increase scoring rates (and) have a world championship of Test cricket."

Plans to jazz up the five-day game could be unveiled as early as next month when the ICC holds annual meetings at its headquarters in Dubai, he said.

Twenty20 matches, which last just three hours as compared to five days of Test cricket or eight hours of the 50-overs-a-side game, have become hugely popular across the world.

Bindra sidestepped suggestions that the shortest version of the sport will spell more trouble for the 50-over format than Test cricket.

"The future of 50-overs cricket is something that one has to look at in the long term," the 'Week' quoted Bindra as saying.

"For now, the ICC has laid a stipulation that all Test nations must play a minimum of 30 one-day internationals and 12 Tests each year as part of the existing Future Tours Programme (FTP) that runs till 2012."

ICC World Cricket League : Dawn of a new era for Afghanistan sport

A few years ago, any talk of Afghanistan playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup would have been laughable. But not any more. Thanks to the World Cricket League, which is part of the ICC development programme, Afghanistan has a chance of appearing alongside the 10 full members and three other qualifiers when the Asian subcontinent stages the event in 2011, said a press release of the ICC on Monday.

The Division 5 event starts in Jersey on May 23 with 12 teams battling it out to qualify for the May 31 final which will guarantee them a place in the next stage of qualification. It’s still unlikely but far from impossible Afghanistan will reach the 2011 event and the way cricket is taking off, there is perhaps only a matter of time before we see it taking part in a major ICC event. But even more than that, the WCL Division 5 is an opportunity for this war-torn country to show the world a different side. “After all the turbulent times after the invasion of Russia, I consider it as the dawn of a new era in which our sportsmen will taste international exposure and introduce the new and moderate Afghanistan to the world,” said captain Norooz Khan Mangal, a 23-year-old top order batsman.

“Like any other team, we are traveling to Jersey with the objective to win the tournament and take the first step in the right direction. But at the same time, we would like to make more friends and try to learn good things from the other participants,” he said. “We consider ourselves good and ready for not only the WCL Division 5 but also for the tough season ahead because we have the conviction that we can progress in this tournament. We have to respect the game and our opponents. We will go match by match and event by event.”

Afghanistan is one of six teams in Group B, along with the Bahamas, Botswana, Japan, Singapore and hosts Jersey. Group A is made up of Germany, Mozambique, Nepal, Norway, the USA and Vanuatu. Afghanistan was admitted as an ICC Affiliate Member in 2001. After playing its early cricket in Pakistan with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) funding its tours, Afghanistan started showing signs of improvements in 2006 when it beat a MCC team, led by former England captain Mike Gatting, by 171 runs in a 40-over-a-side match.

In 2007, Afghanistan qualified for the ICC WCL Division 5 after finishing third behind the UAE and Hong Kong in the ACC Trophy. In the same year, it came close to qualifying for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2008 in Malaysia when it lost in the final of the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup final to Nepal in Kuala Lumpur. In November 2007, Afghanistan shared the ACC Twenty20 Cup with Oman in Kuwait after both the teams tied on 157 runs and a pitch invasion prevented a bowl-out to decide the winner.

Afghanistan, as part of its preparations for the WCL Division 5, played 14 warm-up matches in Peshawar, Pakistan last month before attending a training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Kabul which has two turf pitches and a bowling machine.

Talking about the lack of experience of his team, Mangal added: “We are new at this level but so are many of the other teams taking part in Jersey. All the teams start on even terms and I think the sides that stick to the basics will qualify for the final which will be enough to earn it promotion to WCL Division 4. The beauty of the WCL format is that you learn with every tournament and by the time you qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup, you have some sort of experience under your belt. But it’s an ongoing process with no short-cuts and we are happy to follow the same path which the top teams have followed.”

According to Mangal, Afghan men are naturally strong and athletic which means fast bowling is their forte. “Hamid Hassan regularly bowls at 140kph while Dawlat Ahamdzai, Hasti Gul Abed and Ahamd Shah Ahmadi are the other pacers with lots of potential and promise. Amongst the batsmen, Karim Khan Sedeq and Nabi Eisakhil stand out. They like to play aggressively and if they fire in the tournament, we will have an excellent chance to return from Jersey with flying colours. While saying this, I am aware that it’s a team game and we have to gel together like a unit and back each other.” Mangal says it is common knowledge in Afghanistan that the national team is going to Jersey to play in an ICC tournament. “People are talking about it, the media is writing about it and it’s an atmosphere we have never experienced before.”

Other teams in Group B include the Bahamas, Bostwana, Japan, Singapore and hosts Jersey. The road to ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 may be difficult but now there is a distinct pathway for developing teams like Afghanistan and the 11 other sides on their way to Jersey. The first target of the teams gathering in Jersey from May 23-31 will be to finish in the top two which will earn them promotion to the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 thus joining Hong Kong, Fiji, Tanzania and Italy in a six-team event that will take place in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam from October 4 to 11.

In turn, the top two teams from the Tanzania tournament will progress to WCL Division 3 to be staged in Buenos Aires, Argentina from January 24-31, 2009. The finalists from the Buenos Aires tournament will join the top four teams from WCL Division 2 (the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Namibia and Denmark) and six teams from WCL Division 1 (Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Bermuda and Canada) in the ICC World Cup Qualifier which will be staged in the UAE in April 2009. The top four associate or affiliate teams from the ICC World Cup Qualifier will book their place at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to be staged in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.