Pak has "right" to say no on security grounds: ICC

The ICC on Monday said Pakistan has the "right to refuse a particular venue on security grounds".

In a new twist to the controversy surrounding the selection of Ahmedabad as a venue for the upcoming series between India and Pakistan, the International Cricket Council on Monday said Pakistan has the "right to refuse a particular venue on security grounds".

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"Every country has a right to say no to a venue from the security point of view. But then the case has to be referred to ICC. But I don't think such a case will arise," ICC President Ehsan Mani told PTI.

"ICC can't interfere in the matter suo motu since it's a bilateral matter. I am sure both the boards will resolve this within two to three days."

Pakistan has been refusing to play in Ahmedabad, venue for one of the three Tests of the series, on "security grounds".

Mani, who is on a "routine" visit to India where he will meet BCCI officials and some of the ICC sponsors during the next couple of days, agreed that the dispute concerning BCCI's telecast rights has come as a dampener with just 10 days to go for the start of the "biggest" cricket series.

"Of course this is (a dampener). But the matter is in court and I am not supposed to comment on it.

"But whatever the case, this is the biggest series in the world. The cricket following in the two countries is fantastic. This is a great series which generates a lot of goodwill," he said.