Windies After US $50 000

Dubai - West Indies will have the first prize of US$50 000 in their sights when they open their campaign in the three-nation Sharjah Cup series tomorrow.

The runners-up will receive $30 000.

West Indies will play Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament which also involves favourites Pakistan.

The tight schedule means the Caribbean team will play Pakistan on Thursday.

Pakistan cricket authorities, keen to try to exorcise the spectre of match-fixing allegations, have told the organisers they will not come to Sharjah again if they see bookmakers approaching players.

"If I see a mobile phone or a person with a mobile in the dressing room, we will not come to Sharjah," Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mujibur Rahman told reporters yesterday.

Pakistan agreed to compete only after receiving a firm assurance from the organisers.

Players are on a cash bonus of 500 000 Pakistan rupees (US$9 650) each if they win the forthcoming Test series in Australia.

They got 200 000 rupees (US$3 860) each after winning last month's Toronto series.

"The performance-linked bonus and other perks are part of my new approach to improve the state of affairs in Pakistan cricket," Rahman said.