Setback for PCB after ICC rejects its case against BCCI
Pakistan Cricket Board suffered a big setback regarding a long-pending case against the BCCI. The ICC's Dispute Panel confirmed, on Tuesday, that PCB's claim has been dismissed. The board was seeking compensation to the tune of $70 million from the BCCI for not honoring the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between them in 2014 to play multiple bilateral series. The ICC's decision stands final.
PCB's claims dismissed post three-day hearing
A three-day hearing was held in Dubai between October 1-3. "Following a three-day hearing and having considered detailed oral and written submissions, the Dispute Panel has dismissed the PCB's claim against the BCCI," the ICC said in its statement released, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the ICC Dispute Panel also ruled that the document signed between the two boards was not binding.
BCCI didn't breach any contract: ICC
"It follows inexorably that the PCB's claim must fail. If there was no obligation on the BCCI to engage in the tours in either 2014 or 2015, its omission to do so was no breach and gave rise to no damages claim," the statement read.
What was the heart of the matter?
The BCCI and the Pakistani board had signed a MoU. As per it, the two nations were supposed to play six bilateral cricket series between the year 2015 and 2023. But due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, no bilateral series has been scheduled till date. This led Pakistan to seek ICC's help. It asked for compensation of $70 million from the BCCI.
India and Pakistan haven't played a bilateral series since 2013
Meanwhile, political tensions have continued to bother the cricketing relationship between the two nations. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series against each other since 2013. Even though, the arch-rivals have locked horns in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments in this period.
MoU was awarded to Pak for backing the 'Big Three'
The MoU was seen as a reward to Pakistan for backing the 'Big Three' nations. India, Australia, and England are considered the three big teams with these three sharing the maximum power as well as revenues in world cricket. 14 Tests, 30 ODIs and 12 T20Is were agreed upon. However, the agreement fell apart and the BCCI dismissed the MoU.
PCB unhappy with ICC's decision
Pakistan board released a statement expressing its disappointment, "In relation to the proceedings brought by PCB against BCCI, the PCB notes with regret the decision of the Disputes Panel of the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee."
