Sharjah to go-ahead despite US attacks

Cricket authorities in Sharjah have given assurances that the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) is going ahead with the planned tri-series starting on 26 October despite the heightened political tension in the region after US attacks on Afganistan.

"There's no problem about that," CBFS chairman Abulrehman Bukhatir told Gulf News. "All the necessary arrangements have been made." Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Zimbabwe are due to compete in the 10-day tournament.

There had been mounting doubts that the tournament would go-ahead after America started an aerial bombardment of Afganistan earlier this week and with growing Muslim protests throughout the world.

The Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean boards had remained tight-lipped on the situation, saying that they not been contacted by the CBFS. A Karachi based newspaper then quoted a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official as saying: "The holding of the tournament is in serious doubt." The PCB quickly denied that this was the "official view" of the board.

In fact, the PCB are seriously considering playing their home matches in Sharjah or at a recently developed venue in Morocco after an invitation from Buthaktir and a statement ICC president Malcolm Gray on Monday that: "It's possible Pakistan's home matches could be played at independent venues."

Sharjah Stadium, if there were no political disturbances, would be an ideal venue, with its proximity to Pakistan and the existence of a sizable Pakistani expatriate community. Political disruption seems unlikely after the reluctance of the region to provide the US with military assistance in their fight against terrorism.

The 2001 UIM Formula One World Championship, a power boating grand prix, was completed yesterday in Sharjah without alarm. Only one Italian driver pulled out of the event.