ICC calls on ECB to make up its mind

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to make up its mind on its game in Zimbabwe after a day where it repeatedly avoided providing a direct answer to a simple question.

Following the ECB's decision not to provide a written response to the question of whether it would play in Zimbabwe asked by the ICC in a letter today, ICC Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Speed, asked the ECB if it would fulfill its commitment to play in Harare on February 13 directly to the ECB in a meeting this afternoon.

The ECB's response was that it could not confirm whether it was or was not going to take part in that match.

Speed said that it was up to the ECB to make decisions for England, not the ICC.

"Until this issue is resolved, it is difficult to move forward," said Mr Speed.

"The ICC can not make this decision for the ECB.

"It is the responsibility and duty of the ECB to make its own decisions on if it will fulfill its obligations and to tell the ICC of its decision so that the matter can be resolved."

This position was made clear to the ECB late this afternoon and will be confirmed in writing tonight.

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
International Cricket Council
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