ICC would hear Pakistan's compensation claim against BCCI
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that it will look into the matter and hear Pakistan's compensation claim against the BCCI. Pakistan had complained that India cancelled on bilateral series involving both nations and is seeking a £49 mn compensation for the lost revenue. The ICC has created a dispute panel to hear Pakistan's arguments on this matter.
ICC's decision to be final
The board released a statement saying that a three-member panel will hear out Pakistan's complaint in the month of October and the decision will not be overturned. It has been learnt that Hon Michael Beloff QC will chair the panel.
PCB alleges that memorandum signed in 2014 was broken
Pakistan pointed out the fact that despite the PCB and the BCCI signing a memorandum of understanding in 2014, the Indian board hasn't followed the same. The memorandum had stated that both nations would play six bilateral series between 2015 to 2023. India and Pakistan haven't played a full-fledged bilateral series since 2008. Although they did play a short ODI series in 2013-14.
What had ICC stated earlier?
ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson had stated, back in 2017, that the board cannot force India to play against Pakistan in a bilateral series. He cited that although ICC would love to see both nations getting involved in a cricket series, diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan will determine the outcome. The ICC also said that it would remain neutral on this matter.
The road ahead
The 2018 Asia Cup was shifted by the president of Asian Cricket Council Shahryar Khan to the United Arab Emirates citing political tensions. It was originally stated to be held in India. The ICC Test Championship may also not feature India vs Pakistan matches.
