Ashraf lashes out at ICC

Former PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for relocating the Champions Trophy from Pakistan and awarding back the infamous 2006 Oval Test to England, terming the decisions a "big joke".

"The world cricket body has made a mockery of itself by yielding to pressure from few member countries as well the MCC," Ashraf told 'The Dawn'.

The Oval Test was originally deemed a forfeiture by Pakistan but was declared a draw last year by the ICC, a decision that has been reversed yet again.

"The whole thing appears to be a big joke as far as I am concerned since the verdict-change last year had come about after careful consideration of the facts and fair-play by the ICC besides forceful presentation by us at the forum," Ashraf said.

The former Chairman and his colleagues have been summoned by a Senate standing committee on sports on February 9 to explain charges of financial mismanagement and misuse of power in their tenure. Ashraf was in-charge when Pakistan had successfully managed to get the Oval Test result changed from a forfeited win for England to a draw.

"This is an extremely unjustified stance that the ICC has taken now for which I feel the current chairman, David Morgan is to be chiefly blamed," he said.