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The International Cricket Council (ICC) snubbed Pakistan when it didn't even consider it as an optional venue for the biennial knockout tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been telling all and sundry that it had been kept as a standby host for next year's tournament in case India pulled out. The PCB had gone on to say that it was geared up to organize the tournament in a befitting manner. But on Friday, it received a rude shock when it was not even considered as back-up venue for the 2004 and 2006 events, let alone next year's tournament.

India remains the preferred venue (for 2002 event) with Sri Lanka, Australia and the UAE as alternatives.

"If India does not stage the 2002 event, it will be hosted in 2004, with England confirmed as host nation in 2006," the ICC said in a press release from Kuala Lumpur where the executive board meeting concluded without reaching any decisions of note.

With political uncertainty hanging over the region in the aftermath of allied forces raids on Afghanistan, Pakistan's chances of staging the competition next year were remote. But if the ICC can postpone final decision on the 2002 event's venue for next February, Pakistan could have been considered if situation eased out.

If the ICC had been sympathetic towards Pakistan following reported $30million losses this year due to cancellation of three events, it would have allocated the money-spinning competition in 2004 or 2006. But failure to do so clearly points out that Pakistan presented a weak case in the ICC. Had PCB (PCB) chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia attended the meeting, there might have been a different story. But unfortunately, the summit was attended by director Brig Munawar Rana.

It may be mentioned here that the remaining three Asian Test playing countries have been considered for the ICC knockout tournament. Bangladesh hosted the inaugural tournament in 1998 while India's new chief Jaghmohan Dalmiya is certain to win the rights for next year. In case India doesn't get the event, Sri Lanka is there as an alternative.

© Dawn