Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s bid to resume international cricket in the country received a massive blow when New Zealand denied reports of sending its team to Pakistan for flood-relief matches citing security concerns. Zimbabwe, who visited Pakistan in 2008 for a five-match One-Day International series, however, confirmed its plans will go ahead despite the concerns.
“At this point in time, we have just have one thing in mind and that is to help people and minimise their suffering for which we are ready to play in Pakistan,” the Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Peter Chingoka told The Express Tribune. “We sent the offer following approval from all the players who also want to play a role in helping millions of people in Pakistan.”
The Zimbabwean board chief, however, said the schedule of a series against Pakistan is yet to be finalised and the confirmation is still pending.
“Both boards are working on a plan to finalise the schedule but so far it is undecided,” said Chingoka before adding the series may be held before World Cup starting next February. “Both boards are trying to hold a series soon and it may take place before World Cup 2011.”
NZ cite security concerns
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Executive Justin Vaughan, while insisting the offer to help Pakistan was still standing, denied proposing the matches to be played in Pakistan.
“At no point did we offer that the Black Caps would be touring as they certainly won’t be playing there this year due to security risk,” said Vaughan.
NZC, however, did not rule out options to play against Pakistan on a neutral venue to raise funds for the millions affected by the floods.
“It would be nice to think that in a cricket-loving country, the game could play a part in alleviating some of the suffering that is going on there but it is on PCB to organise fund-raisers outside Pakistan.”
New Zealand last visited Pakistan in 2003 when the tour was abandoned following a bomb blast outside the team hotel in Karachi prior to the team’s departure for the stadium.
“There would be more risk playing there now as the security forces have been diverted to help in the flooded areas,” said New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association Manager Heath Mills.
PCB mull neutral venue
The PCB, following the cold shoulder from NZC, is now mulling playing a series against the Kiwis on a neutral venue.
“We will discuss options with NZC to play series on a neutral venue because in any case it would generate funds for the flood victims,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune while reacting to Vaughan’s statement. However, the board remains very hopeful of the deal with Zimbabwe Cricket.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2010.
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