Pakistan says yes to Woolmer tribute game

Two days after stating that a packed schedule would hinder plans to participate in a fund-raiser for Bob Woolmer's proposed cricket academy, the Pakistan Cricket Board committed itself to the match. However, a senior official of the Board for Control of Cricket in India expressed doubts over the possibility of a bilateral tie later this year.

Woolmer's widow Gill had written to the PCB and BCCI asking them to compete in a benefit Twenty20 match as a tribute to the former Pakistan coach.

"We fully support the idea of Gill Woolmer to raise funds for the academy. We have confirmed the same to her," said Ehsan Malik, PCB spokesman. He said the PCB was trying to schedule it during Pakistan's tour to India later this year.

Reacting to Malik's statement, Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, said, "Where's the time. We have such a tight schedule and I don't think it's possible."

Shah also said the PCB had not yet approached the BCCI over the scheduling of the proposed fundraiser, though it had received Gill Woolmer's letter.

Gill Woolmer had earlier proposed a Twenty20 match between Pakistan and England in August but the plan fell through as the England team had prior engagements. The PCB said it was ready to play at any venue suggested by the home board, irrespective of whether it was the BCCI or the ECB.

Bob Woolmer died of natural causes in Jamaica on March 18, a day after Pakistan suffered a shock defeat against Ireland and were knocked out in the first round of the World Cup.