ICC decision vindicates BCCI146;s stance on Pak

But, significantly, the agreement also provides specific conditions under which a country could withdraw from a tour without punishment including safety and security concerns or where a country8217;s government provided clear direction not to tour.

The board also reaffirmed its policy that countries should not be drawn into making political decisions when assessing their future tour commitments.

The outcome of the two-day meeting puts the England and Wales Cricket Board under pressure with regard to a decision on its scheduled tour of Zimbabwe while endorsing India8217;s inability to honour its commitment to Pakistan due to a government policy in the past. 8220;The ICC recognises that in certain circumstances, politicians may exercise their right to use sporting sanctions as a foreign policy tool,8221; ICC president Ehsan Mani said.

8220;It is not something that is particularly welcome but the reality is that from time to time it does happen. We have seen this occur recently with India and Pakistan,8221; Mani said. 8220;If governments take such an action, their decisions will be accepted by the ICC and there would be no impact on an individual board.8221;

8220;However, where there is no political will to act, the ICC believes that cricket should be able to play the positive and powerful role that international sport is capable of by allowing people from different countries and cultures to meet together on the sporting field.8221;

Mani said that while the ICC recognised the right of governments to use sport as part of its foreign policy, the decisions of politicians would not drive ICC policy.

8220;The actions or inactions of politicians do not drive the policy of the ICC. 8220;The adoption of these new powers by the executive board reflects its commitment to protecting the future tours programme which is the lifeblood of international and domestic cricket around the world.8221;