Sharjah series planned with higher prize money

New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are to feature in a triangular series with increased prize money at the desert venue, tentatively scheduled for April 10-19 next year.

Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), the organisers of bi-annual tournaments in Sharjah, are also planning to invite a fourth team "to make the event more interesting and exciting", chief executive Zahid Noorani said.

"The fourth team is on our mind. Let's see how things take shape," Noorani said.

The CBFS has already raised the prize money from $100,000 to $250,000 for a tri-nation event next month between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

"The prize money will remain the same for the April tournament," Noorani said. "If the fourth team is confirmed then it will be different."

Noorani congratulated Jagmohan Dalmiya on his election as president of the Indian cricket board on Saturday. "It is good for both world and Asian cricket.

"Dalmiya is a great administrator and we appreciate his efforts in globalising the game during his tenure as the ICC (International Cricket Council) chief," Noorani said.

Noorani, however, side-stepped a query regarding India's participation in the Sharjah events.

"All I can say is that CBFS have had enjoyed a great relationship with Dalmiya and it's bound to grow further with his election."

India were refused permission by their government to play in a series in Sharjah last April involving Pakistan. Relations between the two countries have been strained by a long-running dispute over Kashmir.

Mail Cricket Editor