ICC Disputes Committee rejects Pakistan compensation claim

The International Cricket Council Disputes Committee has rejected Pakistan's claim for compensation from New Zealand Cricket following the cancellation of New Zealand's tour to Pakistan after September 11 and the abandonment of the re-scheduled tour after the Karachi bombing.

The claim for compensation was made by Pakistan under provisions of the ICC's Future Tours Programme.

In their decision Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, Justice Albie Sachs and Steve Camacho made the following unanimous findings:

i) In the light of the events of September 11, 2001 it was not unreasonable for NZC to cancel its original tour of Pakistan. The situation in the world generally, and particularly in the region which includes Pakistan, was highly volatile and unpredictable. As it subsequently emerged, Pakistan was directly involved in the war which saw the overthrow of the Taliban regime. In the circumstances NZC's decision was acceptable.

ii) Given the proximity of the Karachi bomb-blast and the deaths caused by it, we find that NZC's cancellation of the re-scheduled tour in May 2002 was also acceptable.

iii) In the circumstances, compensation is not payable.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said he was pleased with the decision which demonstrated that New Zealand Cricket's approach to the safety and security of players was sound.

"I am now working with the Pakistan Cricket Board to reschedule the cricket that was not played because of the terrorist disruptions," he said.