THE Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has apparently convinced the West Indies Cricket Board to turn down a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board for a tour to be hosted in the south Asian country.According to reports, the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) asked the FICA to look into Pakistan’s security plans, and were given feedback that was less than favourable.
FICA’s response came from its latest security advisory that, in turn, comes from security consultants Eastern Star International.
The risk level in Pakistan, according to Eastern Star, who provides security for various cricket boards, including the International Cricket Council, was “at an extremely elevated state”.
The Pakistan Super League final is scheduled for Lahore in the country, and FICA has already advised players in that final, not to go.
The WICB doesn’t seem to be expecting too much fall-out with the PCB after the refusal, as the Caribbean board announced the region would be hosting Pakistan in two T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests across five venues.
The West Indies’ rejection marks the third after Ireland and Sri Lanka rejected travelling to the country over the last two years.
In 2009, a bus with Sri Lankan players was attacked in Lahore and since then, the International Cricket Council has refused to sanction games in Pakistan. (Sportsmax.com)