ECB take out insurance policy

The England and Wales Cricket Board have taken out an insurance policy in putting plans in place to play an International XI should Pakistan pull out of the Twenty20 international in Bristol this Monday.

The ECB have also reached agreement with South Africa to play five one-day internationals should Pakistan head home over the ball tampering incident.

Pakistan have threatened to boycott the remainder of the tour should captain Inzamam-ul-Haq be banned over ball-tampering and bringing the game into disrepute. The date of Inzamam’s hearing is still un-clear.

An ECB statement released to the public said “It has been agreed by the chairmen of both boards that ECB should progress a contingency plan to unequivocally guarantee a match at Monday’s International Twenty20.”

“The ECB has received approval from ICC to approach leading world players to form an international XI to play against England at Bristol on Monday in case of the unlikely eventuality of the England v Pakistan game being unable to proceed.”

“However, given the current uncertainty concerning the scheduling of the Code of Conduct hearing and imminence of the International Twenty 20 it is prudent to examine all options to provide spectators with guaranteed play on Monday.

“ECB can also confirm that it has been in discussion with ICC and other full member boards to provide a further contingency plan for the NatWest (one-day) series. These discussions are well advanced, but it is hoped that the Pakistan team will be able to fulfil its commitments.”

A Pro40 Twenty20 match between Nottinghamshire and Glamorgan has been brought forward to Sunday to allow for overseas players from both clubs, notably New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming to be available for the Twenty20 match should it be required.