August 13, 2002	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Saani 3, 1423

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TANGIERS, Aug 12: Pakistan’s workload prior to next year’s World Cup may increase as it has requested for an additional tournament in Sharjah, officials said.

Pakistan, already scheduled to play nearly 25 one-day internationals and seven Tests before the World Cup commences Feb 8, has approached the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) to arrange a competition in which it can give final touches to its team.

“Yes, we have received a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a tournament just before the World Cup.” CBFS chairman Abdul Rehman Bukhatir told Dawn Monday.

Pakistan complete their African safari on Jan 6 and have nearly four weeks available before they take on Australia in the opener on Feb 9 at Johnnesburg. The PCB is keen to have a tournament slotted between that available time to keep the boys in the running.

The PCB had initially planned a one-week holiday for the boys after they finish the assignment in South Africa before assembling them for a three-week training camp.

“We have approached a few boards and they have not declined the offer. But yes, they are hesitant because the tournament is being planned on the eve of the World Cup,” Bukhatir said.

“West Indies is keen and so is Zimbabwe. But we haven’t decided about the final lineup,” he said, adding: “Sri Lanka could be a real attraction because you need to draw crowd.”