International Cricket Council (ICC) president Percy Sonn insisted Friday that the one-day series between England and Pakistan would go ahead as scheduled. "The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) have always said they were going to continue with the series if they could have," Sonn told a London news conference.
"Ever since last Sunday this matter has been marked by unfortunate and entirely avoidable over-reactions. Everyone must try to switch attentions to the on-field action once more. "I have had a meeting with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) chairman David Morgan and I have been assured the tour continues as scheduled."
He added: "I have no reason not to take him (Shaharyar) at his word." Sonn confirmed the ICC's executive board would meet in Dubai on Saturday, September 2 to discuss the crisis. Pakistan are due to play a Twenty20 match against England in Bristol on Monday before the five-match one-day series starts in Cardiff on Wednesday.