Pakistan to propose six-day Tests in winter by AFP

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Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 1st December 2005

 

Pakistan are set to propose six-day Tests in winter to prevent matches from being affected by the weather, a top cricket official said here on Wednesday.

 

"Our season runs from October to April and to avoid bad light and weather we may have to play six-day Tests. This seems to me the obvious solution," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

 

"We don't want teams to suffer in the heat if we start our season in August or September, so we will go to the International Cricket Council (ICC) hoping the Tests in Pakistan in winters be extended to the sixth day.

 

Test matches are held over five days all over the world.

 

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said the game's governing body would give the proposal a serious consideration.

 

"I think it is a peculiarly Pakistan problem at this time of the year. It is not a new issue. It's been around for some time. Perhaps, the solution is to get a six-day Test at this time of the year in Pakistan," Speed said.

 

Nearly 70 overs were lost due to poor light in the drawn second Test between England and Pakistan at Faisalabad.

 

The two days in the ongoing third and final Test here have also seen 32 overs lost due to bad light.

 

"All over the world we have a stipulated 90 overs in a day's play, but Pakistan has scheduled 83 overs due to the winter and we need to overcome this problem," Speed said.

 

"It is something that has to be considered some time, but it's worthy to be suggested by the PCB and something that is I am sure the other ICC members will give a serious consideration."

 

Speed is here to witness the ongoing third and final Test.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)