Brearley and Chappell to aid Pakistan
Greg Chappell and Mike Brearley disagree over Dennis Lillee's aluminium bat in 1979. They will now work together
The ICC has appointed former England captain Mike Brearley and former Australia skipper Greg Chappell as ambassadors to support Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board in the next year.
Pakistan are currently unable to play in their own country due to security fears, hence their ‘home’ MCC Spirit of Cricket series against Australia being held in England.
An ICC statement read the main aim of the former Ashes captains’ role is ‘to encourage all cricket stakeholders to support the Pakistan Cricket Board and its players at a time when it is not possible for Pakistan to host home international cricket and to help keep the plight of Pakistan cricket in the public eye during this difficult period.’
Lorgat said: “I am personally delighted that we have men of the stature of Mike Brearley and Greg Chappell working with ICC and playing an ambassadorial role in support of Pakistan cricket.
“It is vitally important for the global game that Pakistan continues to compete at the highest levels.
“We are grateful to members of the ICC Pakistan task team who have worked extremely hard, under the leadership of ECB's chairman Giles Clarke, to ensure they are able to play at international level.
“I am also grateful to all the full members for their support of Pakistan cricket at this difficult time.
“Many have agreed to either host Pakistan at neutral grounds or to travel to neutral venues to ensure that Pakistan’s future tours programme commitments are fulfilled.
“We are also indebted to the Emirates Cricket Board and the stadiums in the United Arab Emirates for their continued willingness to provide Pakistan with a home venue.
“I think this Lord’s Test match, with support from MCC through their Spirit of Cricket campaign, has already demonstrated what can be achieved when we all work together.
“We wish everyone involved in the MCC Spirit of Cricket Test series every success.”
