Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has criticised ICC for being a toothless body to Australia's ''double standards'' on touring nations and said the governing body's inactions have led teams to violate tour commitments.

Inzamam also asserted that Australia should be penalised for refusing to tour Pakistan on security grounds while they did not have any problems to tour India despite the recent bomb blasts in New Delhi. ''Australia has been the only country which has refused to tour Pakistan steadfastly. And I don't think this is going to change unless other cricket boards and the ICC do something about it,'' Inzamam said.

The former captain, who is currently with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), said the ICC remained a mute spectator while Australia continued to vilate its tour commitments to Pakistan.

''I would think the ICC must take the blame for not being strong enough in reigning in sides that continue to pick and choose their tours,'' Inzamam said.

''What message have Australia sent out to us or the rest of the cricketing world by agreeing to play in India although they have also had terrorist bomb blasts there in cities where the Australians play Test matches,'' he asked.

The burly right-handed batsman said Pakistan needs support of the ICC as countries have been refusing to play here and said another tour cancellation by an international side could worsen the situation.



UNI