India will play in Sharjah, says Asif Iqbal

The organisers of the Sharjah cricket series today expressed optimism that India would participate in the three-nation tournament to be played next month.

Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) coordinatior Asif Iqbal denied that Bangladesh has been approached to fill in the place if India pulls out of the triangular series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"We have not approached the Bangladesh Cricket Board. In fact we are positive that India will be playing in our triangular tournament", Asif told the Gulf News daily from London.

A leading Pakistan newspaper had reported that CBFS would not cancel the Sharjah tournament in case of India's pull out and will play Bangladesh.

"The report is totally wrong. Bangladesh is committed to touring Zimbabwe from April 1. I had talks with the president and secretary of the Bangladesh Cricket Board and they have personally denied that CBFS has approached them. In fact they are getting ready for the tour of Zimbabwe" Asif added.

CBFS chief executive Zahid Noorani also confirmed to the daily that the triangular one-day series will be played, even though the Indian government is yet to take a decision on playing against Pakistan in any tournament. "We have been dealing only with the cricket boards of the participating countries and as of now the three countries have confirmed their participation in' our tournament" Noorani said.