PCB threatens to withdraw from Sharjah contests

Islamabad, Jan 26: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said here on Wednesday that it would not participate in any tournaments in Sharjah on present participation fee. The chairman of the PCB, Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia, said the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) has been informed of the decision.

"For this season, we have agreed to play but for 2001 we will demand an increase in participation fee," Gen Tauqir said at a reception held in his honour by the Rawalpindi Division Cricket Association (RDCA) at a local hotel.

The PCB last year had also refused to play in Sharjah. But the dispute was settled when the board and CBFS signed a fresh three-year deal.

Pakistan play India and South Africa in March-April in a Sharjah tournament to be contested on double league.

General Tauqir said the PCB has succeeded in getting the number of beneficiaries in Sharjah event increased from two to three. He said the board was also working out a beneficiary plan for Pakistan cricketers in the age bracket of 50-60-70.

The PCB boss said efforts were being made to increase its sponsorships and generate more funds. PCB's share of $3.3 million from the profits of the 1996 World Cup is also expected to be released by the PILCOM soon, he said.

General Tauqir said a system was being evolved that would allow the selection of cricketers at the grass roots level. "No one will be ignored because he was poor or had no one to influence the selection," he vowed.

He said the board has already put together a "confidential" plan to prepare team for the 2003 World Cup. "In fact, the team shaped up by next year would carry the stakes for Pakistan's chances at the next World Cup," the chairman said.

Setting up of cricket club houses at Karachi and Rawalpindi will be the priority of the PCB chairman. Everything about running the club houses has been thrashed out, he said. The selected lot of 20-25 boys in the age group of 16-19 years will continue their studies besides getting cricket coaching.

A club house at Peshawar will also be established whereas a full fledged Cricket Academy will be set up at Lahore. These units will have batting and bowling coaches, a physio and a psychiatrist. Qualified ICC coaches will train the Pakistani cadre of coaches prior to opening of these club houses.

He said that installation of floodlights for Rawalpindi Stadium was on the cards and if the sponsors agree then the deal will be signed within this week.

The general said the International Cricket Council (ICC) Executive Committee meeting for Feb 9 will also discuss the standardisation of pitches all over the world. He said the issue has been included on the recommendation of the PCB.