July 2, 2003	Wednesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 1,1424

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ISLAMABAD, July 1: Pakistan cricket chief, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, on Tuesday threatened to take away all international cricket from Rawalpindi in the forthcoming season if the condition of the Rawalpindi Stadium was not improved.

“Unless the stadium is handed over to us on a long-term basis or its condition improved, international cricket cannot be played at this venue,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman told a news conference.

The stadium which has staged a number of Test matches and One-day Internationals, is today a picture of neglect, courtesy of the local administration.

The PCB has allotted Rawalpindi a South Africa Test, a three- day side match and a One-day International which could also be played in Quetta. But the general warned all that cricket could be moved elsewhere.

There were reports earlier of some talks going on between the Rawalpindi administration and the PCB. However, no results are forthcoming.

The South African cricket team is to arrive in Pakistan on Sept 22 on a 37-day tour during which they will play three Tests and as many One-day Internationals besides a couple of side games. Bangladesh and New Zealand will also be touring this season.

Meanwhile, Tauqir said that a Pakistani based in England had volunteered to give Rs 1 million to a deserving former Test cricketer of Rawalpindi

or to other outstanding first class players through a tournament.

Surbuland Khan, who is himself from Rawalpindi will put up the money every year, said Tauqir who returned from England the other day after attending various international cricket meetings.

He felt that the Pakistan team that lost to England 1-2 was hardworking but needed to improve. “They are young players who are willing to work hard and really want to learn.”