Pakistan and India to initiate Under-19 and other tournaments

Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are planning to initiate annual triangular one-day tournaments between the Under-19, Academy and 'A' teams. The first competition is likely to be played as early as in February next year.

The decision was made in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting that concluded at Lord's the other day.

"It has been decided that the three nations will field teams in the Under-19, Academy and 'A' categories and there will be regular competitions. This will not only revive the junior cricket, it will also help India and Pakistan to break the ice and resume cricket against each other on a more regular basis," the chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said.

The academies in India and Sri Lanka are operative while the National Cricket Academy in Lahore is expected to host the first batch within the next few weeks.

"The PCB chief executive and Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are discussing the modalities of the tournaments that will soon be implemented," General Tauqir said.

The PCB Chairman said he also met his Indian counterpart Jaghmohan Dalmiya who updated him on the possibility of India touring Pakistan early next year for three Tests and as many one-day internationals.

"Mr Dalmiya has informed me that although the Indian government is very keen to resume bilateral tours between the two countries, the BCCI is still awaiting official clearance from New Delhi for next year's tour. But Mr Dalmiya is optimistic that BCCI would get the go-ahead and India will tour Pakistan," General Tauqir said.

During the Asian Cricket Foundation (ACF) meeting in Dubai on May 3, Dalmiya had proposed that India would first tour Pakistan that will be followed up by the scheduled tour of Pakistan to India.

However, the PCB has made it clear that until India does not tour Pakistan, Pakistan will not make a return visit. The PCB has also said playing against India on a neutral venue was the second best option but at the same time has added that India's home series also be played on the same venue.

India last visited for a full series in 1988-89 while Pakistan's last tour to India was in early 1999.

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager - Pakistan Cricket Team
Mobile +78 33 170 866
17 June 2003