Pakistan keen for offshore India matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eager to play one-day matches with India at neutral overseas venues, primarily in North America.

"Pakistan is eager to squeeze a one-day event at offshore venues. The large number of Pakistani and Indian people in North American countries demand for such events," Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the board, said. told reporters.

Ashraf said discussions were underway to play at least one event per year at a neutral venue. After a period of strained cricket ties, Pakistan and India started playing each other again regularly from 2003-04.

Since then they have played out three series and the occasional offshore challenge. They played two ODIs in Abu Dhabi last year and are due to play a one-off ODI in Glasgow, Scotland on July 3, to raise funds for charity. In the past, Pakistan and India played at neutral sites regularly, with matches in Sharjah and Toronto.

Ashraf said India wanted to sign an agreement last year but the PCB administration at the time turned down the offer. "India wanted us to sign an agreement on playing events offshore but understandably some of our players wanted proper breaks between series and did not want offshore events."

Ashraf said Pakistan's refusal prompted India to sign such agreements with Australia and South Africa. "We need to find time slots for such events and hopefully we can arrange an event on the lines of Toronto event by next year."