Pakistan cricketers to play in Abu Dhabi annually

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Dr. Nasim Ashraf has confirmed that that the nations cricketers will play a one-day series in Abu Dhabi annually to give a boost to the sport in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi, May 22 : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Dr. Nasim Ashraf has confirmed that that the nation's cricketers will play a one-day series in Abu Dhabi annually to give a boost to the sport in the Middle East.

"This is a great cricketing venue. It is our duty to support it. We will be sending 'A' teams and other junior teams. We'll also participate and help in organising an international event here every year," the Dawn quoted Ashraf, as saying here.

He also sought to put a lid on the controversial comments made about former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq by a PCB committee, saying that the selection "of any player" would be based only fitness and form.

He also confirmed that the PCB would be following a rotation policy for players.

On when the new coach of the Pakistan cricket team would be appointed, he said: "We do need a coach and that is 100 percent. There are about five to six names, including some from West Indies and Australia. We will pick the right person for the job."

He also said that there was no objection from the ICC to pace bowler Mohammad Asif playing in Abu Dhabi after last year's alleged doping incident.

The PCB chief praised Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Cricket Club for organising such a wonderful tournament.

"Such type of tournaments will go a long way to lift standard of cricket in the region. PCB is always ready to play at different venues to promote the game worldwide," he said.

ANI