New Zealand don't want to play in Karachi

New Zealand have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to schedule a match in Karachi when they tour Pakistan later this year. New Zealand are scheduled to play five one-day internationals in Pakistan as compensation for their aborted tour of 2001, which was called off when a bomb exploded in Karachi near the hotel where the New Zealand team was staying.

Rameez Raja, chief executive of the PCB, confirmed the request: "New Zealand have made a request to this effect ... the itinerary is yet to be given final shape.

"We can understand the reasons for New Zealand's request," Rameez said. "But at the same time Bangladesh and South Africa have confirmed they will be playing matches at Karachi this season."

Rameez stated that the itinerary would be discussed with Martin Snedden, chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), after the International Cricket Council meeting in London next week.