May 1, 2002	Wednesday	Safar 17, 1423

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LAHORE, April 30: New Zealand were denied practice at Gaddafi Stadium Monday because there were no facilities available, team official said.

“The ground was required in preparation of the first Test match. The New Zealand management was duly informed of the change,” a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed.

According to the visitors tour itinerary, New Zealand were slated to train in the Gaddafi Stadium from 4.00pm. But the PCB changed the schedule without informing the Black Caps team management and fixed it at the National Cricket Academy.

Crowe protested and contested that the PCB had no right to alter the programme without taking him into confidence. He argued that the tour plan was decided with the mutual consent of the two boards. He, however, agreed to lead his boys to the Academy ground.

But to his surprise, the PCB had made no practice arrangements at NCA. There were no tents, chairs, water and other essential requirements for players comfort. The only thing that was spot on was the practice wicket.

However, the requirements were put in place by the PCB immediately after the visitors arrived at the NCA ground.