KARACHI, Oct 19: Pakistan’s proposal of financial penalties for violation of future tour program was approved in the International Cricket Council, an official said Thursday.

“It’s a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan’s proposal was approved in the ICC meeting and some of Pakistan’s proposals have been passed to the Cricket Playing Committee (CPC),” PCB director Brig Munawar Rana told SADA from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“As a matter of principle, the ICC has decided that matches could also be played at neutral venues, but the country whose matches would be shifted must approve the venues,” he said.

“No specific venue was named and if unrest continues, the PCB would chose the neutral venue,” he said. “Pakistan’s proposal that umpires should get posting on performance and not seeding, was also passed to the Cricket Playing Committee.”

Rana said the ICC had itself kept Pakistan as a standby venue for the 2002 knockout event.

“Pakistan never offered to host the ICC 2002 knockout event, in fact, the council kept us as a standby venue. If they have scrapped Pakistan’s name, we have nothing to object,” he said.

Rana said he met officials of the West Indies, New Zealand and Indian board and held useful discussions.

“As a matter of principle, New Zealand is ready to reschedule its series against Pakistan, which was cancelled last month.

West Indies have assured they would tour Pakistan next year, if the circumstances remain peaceful,” he said.

“The Indian board president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, was very positive about the revival of Pakistan-India cricketing ties, but again it would depend on how the relationship between the two countries remain,” he said.—SADA