ICC allows non neutral umpires for Pak-Bangla series

An International Cricket Council committee says a rule requiring neutral umpires at international matches could be suspended to facilitate a proposed tour of Pakistan by Bangladesh. Pakistan has not hosted international cricket since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team at Lahore in March 2009 and the team has since played home matches in the United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh is keen to be the opposition for the Pakistan team’s return home next month and the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee says allowing umpires from the two countries would overcome any ICC concerns for the safety of neutral officials. ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat says the exception ”should not to be regarded as a preferred option or precedent.”