ECB chairman statement

Giles Clarke stressed that spectators can "look forward to an extremely competitive series" between England and Pakistan

ECB chairman Giles Clarke released the following statement today following an announcement by the Pakistan Cricket Board that Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer have been left out of their squad for the forthcoming NatWest Twenty20 internationals and ODIs:

"The England and Wales Cricket Board welcomes the announcement of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s squad for the NatWest T20 and NatWest ODI series.

"We look forward to an extremely competitive series full of excellent cricket and we can assure cricket fans across the country that the matches will be played in the most competitive spirit, long associated with contests between England and Pakistan."