LAHORE, Nov 22: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia has expressed optimism that Pakistan would produce stunning results in the ICC World Cricket Cup 2003.

“Boys have returned to form as they have good experience during two-Test match series with Zimbabwe,” he claimed.

Tauqir said though Australia and South Africa could be the favourites but Pakistan could not be under-estimated. “They (boys) have the capability to turn the game in their favour any time,” he opined.

The PCB boss however observed that cricket was game of chance and it would be a folly to predict the outcome in advance.

“Player’s morale is high after inflicting crushing defeat to Zimbabwe. It all happened owing to united efforts by the team,” he said while denying any rift among the players.

PCB chief admitted that some of the boys were dear to him because they were outstanding players.

In response to a question, Tauqir said though it was late decision, the board’s has hired the services of world record holder and former captains Fazal Mehmood and Hanif Muhammad for coaching and training of the boys.

The PCB chief said International Cricket Council (ICC) Development Committee meeting will be held at Lahore from Dec 7 to 8.

The two-day summit will be participated by ICC President Malcolm Gray and Chief Executive Malcolm Speed besides Andrew Eade (ICC Global Development Manger), John Wright (Europe Representative), Mark Stafford (EAP Representative), Roger Knight (MCC Delegate), Rene van Lerschot (Associate Delegate) and Faisal Hasnain (Chief Financial Officer).

“It is a very good sign for Pakistan cricket that such a high profile meeting is taking place in the country,” PCB chief observed.

“Pakistan has been and is an absolutely safe country and any team that wants to come and play and foreigners who want to visit Pakistan will have no problems whatsoever,” he added.

To a question, PCB chief said Pakistan would visit England next year in June for three one-day internationals to be played at Old Trafford, Oval and Lord’s on June 17, 20 and 22.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had invited Pakistan for the series last year and we accepted the proposal because the team had no commitments then,” he said.—PPI