Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Karachi
v Faisalabad match abandonment
On 26th November, 2004 in the Quaid-e-Azam
Trophy Match between Karachi (B) and Faisalabad, the Karachi (B) captain,
Rashid Latif declared his innings closed after 14.1 overs with the
score at 33 for 4. After Faisalabad had indicated that they were ready
to start their first innings, the Karachi captain informed the umpires
and referee that he refused to continue the match as the pitch was
too dangerous for play. In a written message to the Pakistan Cricket
Board, the Karachi (B) captain stated, inter alia, that:
"This pitch is unplayable and dangerous
for batting. Three players were hurt during the first innings. Our
team players and myself do not agree to play on this dangerous pitch
because of safety of my players. Please make inquiry of this pitch
as soon as possible. We are not to continue this match."
According to "Playing Conditions and
Rules of Domestic Tournaments" the following process is required to
be completed as per ICC Standard Playing Conditions (Law 7.4 changing
the pitch):
"i). In the event of a pitch being considered
too dangerous for play to continue in the estimation of the match
umpires, they shall stop play and immediately advise the referee.
ii) The match umpires and referee shall consult with both captains.
iii) If the captains agree, play shall resume.
iv) If the decision is not to resume play, the match umpires shall
consider one of the options in the following sequence:
(a) Whether the existing pitch can be repaired. Repair work will only
be considered if there has been malicious damage to a non-crucial
part of the pitch;
(b) Whether an alternative pitch can be used;
(c) Whether the match has to be abandoned."
The rules clearly state that it is
for the umpires and referee to decide whether or not a pitch is too
dangerous for play. It is evident that the Karachi (B) captain did
not consult the umpires and referee before unilaterally deciding to
abandon the match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) immediately
ordered an inquiry into the match at Faisalabad. Written reports from
the two umpires, the referee and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee
(who happened to be present at the Faisalabad Stadium) have stated
unequivocally that the pitch was not dangerous. National Selector
Ehteshamuddin who was also present at the ground has also verbally
corroborated this decision.
Accordingly, after receiving reports
from all parties concerned, PCB has concluded that the Karachi (B)
captain was in serious breach of the playing conditions. Rule 15 (b)
of the playing conditions states:
"Rule 15 (b) If a match is conceded,
the points scored by the defaulting team during the tournament for
and against will be nullified and the team will be scratched from
the tournament and demoted, in addition a fine of Rs 15,000/- shall
be imposed."
The Chairman PCB has taken serious note
of the breach of playing conditions by the Karachi (B) captain and
has noted that it is not the first time that Mr Rashid Latif has acted
in such a precipitous manner. The Chairman has therefore decided to
impose a fine of Rs 15,000/- on Mr Rashid Latif and to ban him from
all First-Class Cricket for six months as of December 1st, 2004. In
view of the fact that Mr Rashid Latif appears to have acted independently,
the Chairman has exercised his discretion in deciding that the Karachi
(B) team would be allowed to continue participating in the Quaid-e-Azam
Trophy and that no fine or restriction would be imposed on them for
a breach of Playing Conditions.
Abbas Haider Zaidi
Consultant Media/PR/Protocol |
