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PCB to resist reversing Oval Test result

The PCB is expected to throw up a firm defence against reversing the result of the controversial 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan

Cricinfo staff
30-Jan-2009

The PCB will oppose any decision to change the result of the 2006 Oval Test back to a forfeit by Pakistan © AFP
 
The PCB is expected to firmly resist reversing the result of the controversial 2006 Oval Test between England and Pakistan at the ICC board meeting in Perth on January 31 and February 1. The match was initially forfeited by Pakistan, after they refused to take the field following accusations of ball tampering, but the ICC changed the result to a draw at its board meeting in July last year.
The PCB chairman Ijaz Butt will be travelling to Perth, Saleem Altaf, the board's chief operating officer, confirmed. "The legal opinions were sought from expert lawyers in a bid to strengthen our case. Our stance on The Oval Test result is clear. We believe that the ICC has taken a good decision by declaring the result as a draw and that there is no need to reverse it again."
The matter is expected to come up at the meeting after the MCC, the independent governor of cricket's laws, recommended that the ICC change the result back from a draw to an England win. Soon after the MCC's suggestion, ICC president David Morgan said reversing the result was inappropriate and indicated the ICC might reconsider the decision.
The key agenda at the meeting will be the ICL's application for recognition, another subject which is important to the PCB because 19 Pakistan players are playing in the league. "ICC had said in the past that any league organised without the consent of the home board is unauthorized," Altaf said. "We are waiting to see what developments take place in the ICC meeting as far as the ICL is concerned."
Butt is also expected to hold discussions with Cricket Australia officials regarding Australia's proposed ODI tour of Pakistan in April following the ICC meet.