Pakistan & India will play 2 ODIs at Abu Dhabi by Pakistan Cricket Board

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Event:

DLF Cup 2006

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DateLine: 31st March 2006

 

Media Release - 31 March 2006

 

PCB would like to clarify that the two international One Day Matches being organized in Abu Dhabi on 18th and 19th April, 2006, are separate from the other off-shore matches being planned between Pakistan and India over the coming years. Marketing for the two ODIs in Abu Dhabi was entrusted to BCCI for a good reason: it was the Indian Board which had taken the initiative for organizing a big cricketing event to contribute towards the President's Earthquake Relief Fund. In the short time available, it was prudent to let one of the two Boards handle the marketing.

 

It would be recalled that an ODI dedicated to earthquake victims could not be organized in Pakistan during the recent Indian tour because of time constraints. The President of BCCI, Mr. Sharad Pawar, suggested that possibilities should be explored enabling the Indian Cricket Team to contribute to the earthquake relief efforts. Consequently, the Indian Board officials spoke to the authorities in Abu Dhabi and secured their consent. Chairman PCB also met Sheikh Nahayan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Cricket Council in this regard.

 

The first match would be designated a charity match and 75% of the income generated would be donated to the President's Earthquake Relief Fund. The revenues from the second ODI will be shared between the two Boards on a fifty-fifty basis.

 

Earlier, the visiting Cricket Team from England had also demonstrated deep concern for the earthquake victims. Marcus Trescothick flew to the earthquake-affected areas while his team-mates visited hospitals in Islamabad to console and cheer the earthquake victims.

 

With regard to the payment of Pakistan's share of the 1996 World Cup jointly organized by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it is stated that the present management of the Indian Cricket Board has taken measures to settle PCB’s long standing claim without further delay. The actual transfer of funds should take place within the next couple of weeks after completion of routine formalities.

 

Abbas Zaidi
Director Board Operations

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)