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LONDON, Aug 25: England could play a World XI if Pakistan pull out of Monday's Twenty 20 game in the ongoing dispute over the actions of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in the final Test at The Oval.
“The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) has received approval from ICC to approach leading world players to form an international XI in case of the unlikely eventuality of the England v Pakistan game being unable to proceed,” the ECB said in a statement.
SA decline to be stand-ins
DURBAN: South Africa will not stand in for Pakistan should they withdraw from their one-day series in England, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Friday.
The series has been thrown into doubt over the ball tampering controversy in the fourth test at The Oval in London.
England were awarded the match by forfeiture on Monday after Pakistan did not take the field in the wake of the umpires's decision to change the ball and dock the visitors five penalty runs.
A CSA statement confirmed that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had contacted South Africa about stepping into the possible breach.
“We were approached by the ECB earlier this week, requesting the Proteas to replace Pakistan should they withdraw from the one-day tournament against England,” the statement quoted chief executive Gerald Majola as saying.
“We have turned down the request on the basis that we are committed to playing against Zimbabwe in the three-match (one-day) tournament starting next month.”
South Africa will host Zimbabwe for matches on September 15, 17 and 20.
England and Pakistan are due to meet in a 20-over match in Bristol on Monday, and they are to play the first of five scheduled one-day internationals in Cardiff on Wednesday.—Reuters
