India and Pakistan could play in North America

India and Pakistan could play in North America once again, in a one-day series after the World Cup in 2007. "We are keen to play India at those offshore venues where there are a large number of a Pakistani and Indian expatriates," Shaharyar Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan board, told Press Trust of India. "Canada and the United States are ideal locations in this regard."

India and Pakistan did play one-day series called the Sahara Cup in Toronto during the 1990s, but political conflict in the subcontinent put an end to bilateral series between the two countries till India toured Pakistan in 2004.

Shaharyar Khan explained that the countries had an agreement to play 15 one-day matches at offshore venues in the next five years and playing in North America would be part of the deal. But he added that the series would have to be cleared by the ICC and it would have to be scheduled so that the Future Tours Programme is not disturbed in any way.

"We are keen and we will work out the details of television rights and financial aspects of the proposed series in North America," he said.

But Shaharyar made it clear that the board did not want to take any hasty decisions regarding playing at offshore venues. The Pakistan board has turned down a request by the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council to play a tournament in September this year because of a busy schedule for the season ahead. "Our schedule is very busy before the World Cup and the boys wanted some rest before the Champions Trophy."