Zia fears Pakistan may lose nine months Test cricket

Pakistan cricket chief Tauqir Zia expressed fears on Thursday that Pakistan could be deprived of playing international cricket at home until September 2002.

"If the West Indies do not tour as per schedule from January 25th, this is a grim possibility facing our board," said Zia from Rawalpindi.

West Indies have pulled out of next month's scheduled tour although they are prepared to play the series at a neutral venue. New Zealand and Sri Lanka cancelled tours late last year because of the September 11 attacks on the United States and subsequent military action in Afghanistan.

"We face a situation where we could go without international cricket at home for the next nine months since there is little possibility of New Zealand coming in April-May to make up for their postponed tour of last year," Zia added.

Zia said the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) had informed the Pakistan cricket board they could not reschedule their four-nation tournament from April to March in Sharjah.

Pakistan has requested the CBFS to move their tournament so that they can host New Zealand at home in April-May this year.

"We can understand the position since four teams, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka, are involved in the competition," Zia said.

Mail Cricket Editor