Pakistan v Bangladesh : The silence from ICC is deafening...

[MenInG]

So here is the story.

2 ICC member sides, squabbling and arguing for weeks, WTC fixtures at stake and talk of helping Pakistan get back on track for international cricket.

Yet, we have heard absolutely nothing from ICC which is sitting on the fence (or so it seems)

We have Nazmul Hassan talking about visiting ICC Hq to find out about WTC points incase no Test series happens....

What is exactly happening at the ICC?

Why is there no statement from ICC or even an attempt to resolve the situation?

 

[moghul]

BCCI's influence.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

ICC only speak when they feel Big 3 or India is being wronged, or when they have hatched a new scheme to make more money

 

[Titan24]

ICC just proving that I have correctly called them one of the most unprofessional sporting bodies around on numerous occasions.

 

[Hyperion66]

I understand that emotions are running high and Pak posters here are genuinely upset. But what could ICC do about it? Neither ICC nor BCB can force players to visit Pak against their will, they are players not bonded labors. This is an issue that should have been solved through backdoor negotiations long back, too bad that the key people of both the parties involved has egos size of a pickup truck.

 

[Titan24]

I understand that emotions are running high and Pak posters here are genuinely upset. But what could ICC do about it? Neither ICC nor BCB can force players to visit Pak against their will, they are players not bonded labors. This is an issue that should have been solved through backdoor negotiations long back, too bad that the key people of both the parties involved has egos size of a pickup truck.

So its their will to play PSL and T20 internationals but not anything else? What will ICC do about the points of the test championship? As obviously nobody can force Pak as well to to do the heavy lifting of extra costs or UAE.

 

[dildilpak]

I am wondering why BCB didn’t protest when the ICC test championship schedule was drawn up by ICC last year - they surely have known for a while about the proposed tour to Pakistan. So why protest now?

 

[hur rizvi]

So its their will to play PSL and T20 internationals but not anything else? What will ICC do about the points of the test championship? As obviously nobody can force Pak as well to to do the heavy lifting of extra costs or UAE.

ICC cannot force teams to visit Pakistan. Pakistan might be safer than before, but given the history ICC would never force anyone to visit Pakistan.

Realistically Australia, England, SA and NZ probably still won’t visit for tests.

If PCB take this much stern stance of just playing tests in Pakistan they won’t be playing many tests

I know BCB in this case are being a bit revengeful but PCB needs to act sanely and host them for T20s. Convince them to play a test in Pakistan during IPL

If PCB act stubborn Bangladesh won’t lose anything but pcb will have a scar of not being visited by another foreign team

 

[Saj]

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the coming days with Boards no doubt speaking with the ICC regarding their concerns and grievances.

ICC has never been a very pro-active organisation, and I didn't expect them to say much regarding PCBs and BCB's issues.

 

[ZamanFan]

If Pakistan takes this dispute to ICC than they'll open their mouth. This self-bashing does'nt help, if people want Pakistan board to have some leverage they need to earn well and for that they have to stop hosting other sides in neutral venues.

There were no 2 sides squabbling there was this one chicken head of a board called BCB who was giving email responses to indian and Bangladesh media to cast aspersions on the tour. There was no one else no Bangladeshi player, actually Bangladeshi players and coach gave a much more positive response as they know Bangladesh does not play much overseas.

PCB needs to act maturely but more than that they need to make Bangladesh an example in the coming years, and for that a long term planning is necessary. PCB has tried twice and both times BCB cheated now PCB needs to stop this brotherhood and look after its own self, thinking this boring tour would help revive interest in public was still ludicrous.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

We shouldn’t bother hosting them anymore. There is just too much bad blood between the two boards and forcing them to send their team to Pakistan is counterproductive, even if one feels justified in doing so. If they don’t want to come then pursue a different board with similar proposals and lesser hostility.

 

[BreadPakoda]

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the coming days with Boards no doubt speaking with the ICC regarding their concerns and grievances.

ICC has never been a very pro-active organisation, and I didn't expect them to say much regarding PCBs and BCB's issues.

Totally agree. ICC has had a history of being a bystander.

 

[Pakistanian]

Meh why are Pakistan losing sleep over a team like Bangladesh, if anything it would be a loss since nobody would be interested to see them play.

 

[Hyperion66]

So its their will to play PSL and T20 internationals but not anything else? What will ICC do about the points of the test championship? As obviously nobody can force Pak as well to to do the heavy lifting of extra costs or UAE.

I am not there spokesperson, no idea why they signed up for t20 and now refusing to play test. How would I possibly know what ICC will do with the points? I am just trying to analyse this situation pragmatically purely as a neutral observer, not taking any sides or anything.

I think its a unique lose lose situation for Pak. You play in UAE, you are back to square one in terms of getting cricket back in Pak and if you don't play you are missing two tests from your already limited test count for this year.

On the extra cost thing, if PCB was smarter they would have a cost sharing model ready for discussion at the meeting with BCB long back. These are the points you negotiate on. Have they done that? Has BCB rejected that proposal?

 

[PakLFC]

It is the PCB who are terrible at negotiating. They have no idea of diplomacy at all.

 

[Savak]

If the PCB takes this lying down from the BCB they will be setting a terrible precedent where other boards will be emboldened that they can easily do this to the PCB and get away with it.

The PCB rightfully knows the BCB is not BCCI regardless of the delusions of the former given their closeness with the later

 

[sweep_shot]

ICC needs to set some rules for this ongoing situation. They need to tell teams how to proceed with Pakistan tours. There is absolutely no ICC rule in place currently.

 

[seamer04]

We shouldn’t bother hosting them anymore. There is just too much bad blood between the two boards and forcing them to send their team to Pakistan is counterproductive, even if one feels justified in doing so. If they don’t want to come then pursue a different board with similar proposals and lesser hostility.

been saying this for ages.

 

[IndianHero]

Bangladesh players don't feel safe to travel pakistan & hence BCB wants to play T20s bcoz if they play tests they will be locked inside their hotel rooms which they really don't want to.

Looks like even pakistan govt. doesn't feel pakistan to be safe & hence they provide presidential security to players who visit pakistan. Literally half of the city remains closed it seems (that's wat I heard from pakistani media) like shops closed etc.,

No other country in this world provides presidential security to players who visit their country ! I think it will take another 50 years for other teams to travel pakistan completely.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh players don't feel safe to travel pakistan & hence BCB wants to play T20s bcoz if they play tests they will be locked inside their hotel rooms which they really don't want to.

Looks like even pakistan govt. doesn't feel pakistan to be safe & hence they provide presidential security to players who visit pakistan. No other country in this world provides presidential security to players who visit their country ! I think it will take another 50 years for other teams to travel pakistan completely.

Bangladesh players, about 23 of them, signed up for PSL which is going to be played for 1 month or so in Pakistan in 4 different locations.

Think about that for a moment.

 

[IndianHero]

Bangladesh players, about 23 of them, signed up for PSL which is going to be played for 1 month or so in Pakistan in 4 different locations.

Think about that for a moment.

As I said they are happy to play T20 bcoz in T20s players hardly stay 48 hours at a particular venue but in case of a test match they have to stay like 7 to 10 days at a venue and hence they are bit worried it seems which kind of makes sense too.

 

[ahsan17]

As I said they are happy to play T20 bcoz in T20s players hardly stay 48 hours at a particular venue but in case of a test match they have to stay like 7 to 10 days at a venue and hence they are bit worried it seems which kind of makes sense too.

What about the part where they would have had to stay in Pakistan for a month for PSL?

 

[Mesozoic]

Bangladesh players, about 23 of them, signed up for PSL which is going to be played for 1 month or so in Pakistan in 4 different locations.

Think about that for a moment.

PSL 2019 was supposed to be held entirely in Pakistan but it was later decided (two months before the start) that most of it will be staged again in the UAE like the previous seasons. So, there's a chance that the Bangladeshi players might have thought that would be the case this year too and hence signed up for the draft. No ?

 

[MenInG]

As I said they are happy to play T20 bcoz in T20s players hardly stay 48 hours at a particular venue but in case of a test match they have to stay like 7 to 10 days at a venue and hence they are bit worried it seems which kind of makes sense too.

So now we are worried about exact venues? its the time in Pakistan which is being touted as a problem - not the venues.

In fact, moving around in cars etc would be a greater worry than staying in one place.

 

[MenInG]

PSL 2019 was supposed to be held entirely in Pakistan but it was later decided (two months before the start) that most of it will be staged again in the UAE like the previous seasons. So, there's a chance that the Bangladeshi players might have thought that would be the case this year too and hence signed up for the draft. No ?

I would think in legal terms that would be an untenable position to sign a contract based on a hope that PSL wouldnt happen in Pakistan!

 

[Mesozoic]

I would think in legal terms that would be an untenable position to sign a contract based on a hope that PSL wouldnt happen in Pakistan!

Many players don't fulfill their IPL or whatever league contracts due to various reasons like National duty, board non-allowance, fitness etc. There are a lot of excuses you can use in that situation.

 

[Abdullah719]

PSL 2019 was supposed to be held entirely in Pakistan but it was later decided (two months before the start) that most of it will be staged again in the UAE like the previous seasons. So, there's a chance that the Bangladeshi players might have thought that would be the case this year too and hence signed up for the draft. No ?

Players were specifically told this season that the full PSL would be held in Pakistan. Agreeing to play in Pakistan was a pre-requisite to signing up for PSL.

 

[MenInG]

So PCB and BCB to meet at ICC - guess ICC providing chai and refreshments for that meeting - I dont expect any hand holding by ICC Chairman.

 

[globalcitizen]

This situation is not being managed well by both boards and icc cannot have a say in this matter when governments are involved.
For the mean time Pakistan should take it easy and contend with playing teams like Zimbabwe, srilanka and westindies and keep improving security.
Australia England South Africa are quite a bit far away in travelling to Pakistan because their government does not give permission either.
One thing is for sure, the flood gates have to open sometime and then it’s going to be like before. Hopefully soon !!

 

[Gilly]

ICC needs to set some rules for this ongoing situation. They need to tell teams how to proceed with Pakistan tours. There is absolutely no ICC rule in place currently.

The ICC has no business telling any country when and where they can tour.

 

[Titan24]

[SUP][/SUP]

The ICC has no business telling any country when and where they can tour.

At the same time they cant tell Pakistan to arrange other venues at much higher cost. They have started a test championship so they at least have business in letting everyone know how the points will be granted if a team isnt in the mood of touring and cant back any of their reasons with facts as a wrong precedent can be harmful for the championship.

 

[Titan24]

Anybody saying ICC cant be involved needs to understand that the tournament is called “ICC test championship” for a reason. They are supposed to find solutions of such issue otherwise who exactly is organizing this tournament?

 

[Titan24]

ICC cannot force teams to visit Pakistan. Pakistan might be safer than before, but given the history ICC would never force anyone to visit Pakistan.

Realistically Australia, England, SA and NZ probably still won’t visit for tests.

If PCB take this much stern stance of just playing tests in Pakistan they won’t be playing many tests

I know BCB in this case are being a bit revengeful but PCB needs to act sanely and host them for T20s. Convince them to play a test in Pakistan during IPL

If PCB act stubborn Bangladesh won’t lose anything but pcb will have a scar of not being visited by another foreign team

I have never said ICC should force anyone. Question is if negotiations fail how will the points be divided? As if random excuses of not touring can work and can get you benefit in points then that would be a wrong precedent which can be exploited.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Not sure what the ICC can do or say to be honest.

It's a bilateral series so the ICC is perfectly within their rights to expect both boards to behave like grown ups and work out their differences.

If the BCB is saying they haven't received gov clearance to tour Pakistan for a Test series, the ICC can not force them to tour. It would be inappropriate for the ICC to try and dictate whether Bangladesh should or should not tour Pakistan, and over rule the Bangladeshi gov.

Meanwhile, if the PCB is adamant that the Test series has to be held in Pakistan, it would be equally inappropriate for the ICC to dictate where Pakistan should host their home games.

Honestly speaking - the ICC are in a lose-lose situation here.

The ICC can - and probably will - only get involved if the 2 boards can not work out a solution for the Test series.

At that stage the ICC will still not be in a position to force the BCB to send their team to Pakistan so all the ICC will be able to do is tell PCB to host the games elsewhere or share/forfeit the points. At most - the ICC may send their own independent security team to Pakistan to assess the situation, but even if they do that it all just be for show since the ICC can not dictate to the Bangladeshi gov what they should and shouldn't do.

 

[Humza_Razzaque]

Bangladesh players don't feel safe to travel pakistan & hence BCB wants to play T20s bcoz if they play tests they will be locked inside their hotel rooms which they really don't want to.

Looks like even pakistan govt. doesn't feel pakistan to be safe & hence they provide presidential security to players who visit pakistan. Literally half of the city remains closed it seems (that's wat I heard from pakistani media) like shops closed etc.,

No other country in this world provides presidential security to players who visit their country ! I think it will take another 50 years for other teams to travel pakistan completely.

This makes 0 sense
You would be spending far more time locked in hotel rooms playing t20s rather than test matches given those go all day long
Pakistan govt is giving presidential level security to convince the insecure players that they would be safe and not because they themselves are insecure about the security of pakistan
"literally half of the city remains closed"
I dont know where you got that from, only he roads linking to the ground are blocked so that the traffic headed to the ground can be managed
The sirilankans were literally out in malls shopping, and having dinner at a fancy restaurant
No offence but internet lagaliya to kuch bhi post karoge

 

[London_Lahori]

The ICC is useless bro, a lacky for the big 3.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

ICC will always be wary when it comes to issues regarding Pakistan. They would rather leave it the the boards to solve issues bilaterally. Even if ICC does get involved , don't expect the result to favour Pakistan. Even if you do get the 120 points from BD for nothing, other teams won't be happy with that when their turn to tour comes around whether it's in this cycle or the next.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ehsan Mani "I'm pleased we've amicably achieved a resolution that's in the best interest of cricket & both countries. I want to thank ICC Chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided & ensured the sport continues to grow & thrive in the 2 countries" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvBan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvBan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1217076715236753410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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[ahmedzee]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ehsan Mani "I'm pleased we've amicably achieved a resolution that's in the best interest of cricket & both countries. I want to thank ICC Chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided & ensured the sport continues to grow & thrive in the 2 countries" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvBan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvBan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1217076715236753410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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So this is the right thing to do. ICC should indeed facilitate such meetings so two boards can conclusively reach a resolution. Shashank Manohar is a very competent leader and I have followed him throughout his administrative career. My only complain is, this should've been done a month ago.