PCB chief hints at playing home series at neutral venues if security scene remains same

Despite opposition from several former cricketing greats in the country against playing home series at neutral venues, the newly appointed PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has reportedly said that he could consider the option if the current security situation remains the same.

Lahore, Oct 9 : Despite opposition from several former cricketing greats in the country against playing home series at neutral venues, the newly appointed PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has reportedly said that he could "consider the option" if the current security situation "remains the same".

He said that he might even think of shifting the ICC Champions Trophy to a neutral venue. The tournament was to be played in September, but it was "postponed" to next year, after some of the foreign cricketers, especially from Australia and England, refused to play in Pakistan citing "security reasons".

"The holding of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan depends on the security condition of the country and if the current indefinite situation prevails further we may consider the option to play on alternate venues," the Dawn quoted Butt as saying while talking to reporters after taking over his new posting.

About the ban on several Test and International cricketers for joining the Indian Cricket League (ICL), Ijaz, said that the PCB would take a decision after "consulting the other nations cricketing boards".

At present around 20 prominent cricketers from Pakistan are playing in ICL, and are not allowed to represent the national team or play domestic cricket.

ANI