Pakistan board floats a proposal

First-class games between Indian and Pakistan teams?

Wisden Cricinfo staff

July 14, 2004

Buoyed by the hugely successful tour by the Indian team to Pakistan earlier this year, the boards of both countries are planning further initiatives to ride on that momentum. According to a report in The Indian Express, the Pakistan board has proposed a match between the domestic champions of both countries, as well as one between the two top school teams.

The report adds that the Indian board has agreed to the idea "in principle". Speaking to the daily, Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chairman, said: "I spoke to Mr Dalmiya about two-three months ago and also wrote to him regarding this idea. Now only the dates and venue has to be worked out."

If the plan is implemented, Mumbai, the Ranji Trophy champions, will clash against Faisalabad, the holders of the Quaid-E-Azam trophy, in the inaugural edition, which could be held within the next six weeks. Shaharyar indicated that Pakistan was willing to host the game: "Faisalabad, our champions, also have a Test centre, so we will be more than glad to host this match. We are looking for a sponsor but even if don't get one we will go ahead with idea."

The report also quotes Ratnakar Shetty, the joint secretary of the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association, as saying that he was looking forward to the contest. "I really hope, for the sake of Mumbai cricket, that this proposal comes through. I will be really happy if it does fructify. It will be an honour to undertake the trip and be the first team."

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