PCB requests CBFS to reschedule tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has urged the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) to reschedule April's Sharjah Cup so that it can host New Zealand.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are slated to appear in the April tournament.

A PCB official confirmed Tuesday that the CBFS has been requested to organize the April tournament in March so that New Zealand's cancelled tour to Pakistan can be reprogrammed in April and May.

"Yes, we have requested the CBFS to look into this proposal. If all goes well, we might host New Zealand for three Tests and as many one-day internationals in April and early May," chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said from Rawalpindi.

If CBFS succeeds to convince New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on fresh Sharjah Cup dates, India stands a 60-40 chance to replace the Black Caps and end their three-year ban on playing cricket at "non-regular venues" by making their first appearance since October 2000.

Also in the fray are the West Indies as the Caribbean players would have just concluded their series in Pakistan and can appear in the desert city on their way home where they take on India.

The Sharjah tournament is planned between April 10 and 19 while New Zealand conclude their home series against England on April 3.

"If CBFS and NZC agree, New Zealand can come to Pakistan immediately after their series against England and wind up their assignment in Pakistan by the first week of May.

"The weather would be pleasant, in fact, better than July or August when it would be hot and monsoons," Tauqir said.

The PCB chairman further argued that if New Zealand came in July-August, the contracts of three Pakistan players and a Black Cap player in English county championships might be affected.

Shahid Afridi is signed with Leicestershire, Abdur Razzaq with Middlesex and Saqlain Mushtaq with Surrey while Chris Cairns has commitments with Nottinghamshire.

Tauqir maintained that situation in Pakistan was peaceful, evident from the ongoing under-19 one-day series. He said he met with Sri Lankan ambassador the other day who has given a clean chit.

"I haven't talked to West Indies cricket board officials. But do plan to hold discussions with them immediately after Sri Lankan teenagers complete their tour.

"I am sure if Sri Lankan boys can play peacefully, West Indies cricketers will be as safe. We have already guaranteed them as much security as any other team would give," he said.