Monitoring Desk

DUBAI, Oct 10: The Cricket Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) has rendered its services to host Pakistan’s international home matches in Sharjah, a top official said.

“We are ready to help the Pakistan Cricket Board and step in to host their events,” the CBFS chairman Abulrehman Bukhatir told Gulf News Wednesday.

Bukhatir’s open invitation came in the wake of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Malcolm Gray’s reported statement that the game’s governing body would consider special measures including shifting matches to a neutral venue.

Sharjah’s proximity and a sizeable population of Pakistani expatriates make it an ideal venue for the PCB to step.

“If the ICC wants or even if PCB seeks our help we are willing to help them out,” Bukhatir pointed out.

The CBFS has a ready-made infrastructure. They have even taken help of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit to tighten security and keep unwanted elements away from players, officiating umpires and the referee.

Meanwhile, the CBFS is going ahead with their three-nation tournament from Oct 26 to Nov 4.

“There’s no doubt about that,” Bukhatir said, adding that wheels were set in motion to host the tournament involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

“All the necessary arrangements have been made,” he remarked.

The ICC has also appointed umpires and the tournament referee for the 10-day tournament.