The International Cricket Council will be working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) to find an alternate venue for the Pakistan and Australian Test series following the ACB's decision to withdraw from its tour of Pakistan due to safety concerns the ICC said today.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, said that while it was to be regretted that the tour would not proceed, the key issue was now to find a suitable alternate location.

"Clearly, having a team withdraw from a series is regrettable but the safety of players and officials can not be compromised," said Mr Gray.

"The ACB and the Australian government are best placed to make assessments in relation to the safety of Australian cricketers in Pakistan and their decisions must be respected."

"The choice is now made and the focus now shifts to ensuring the games are played in an alternate location. ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, will now be ensuring that the ACB and the PCB work together to identify a suitable venue for this series as quickly as possible."

Mr Gray also confirmed that the ICC was finalizing a policy that would allow countries affected by tour cancellations to draw against future ICC revenues.

"At June's meeting with all Boards, the PCB proposed a compensation scheme to deal with cancelled tours. This compensation could only come from the entitlements of other Boards and such a move was not supported by the other countries.

"However, the ICC agreed in principle to a scheme that would allow any home Board affected by the cancellation of a tour to draw against its future entitlements from the ICC.

"The mechanics of this scheme are now being finalized and I would expect that the PCB to be the first Board to be able to draw against its future entitlements if it deems it necessary."

Brendan McClements
ICC General Manager - Corporate Affairs
Tel: +44 207 266 7913
Email: brendan.mcclements@icc-cricket.com

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