12 February 2004	Thursday	20 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 11: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) picked on Wednesday Hero Honda, an Indian company as co-sponsor for the forthcoming Pakistan-India series.

PCB chairman Shaharyar M. Khan confirmed that after due scrutiny and evaluation of all the bids received, the co- sponsorship rights were awarded to the Indian company which made the highest offer of $1.491 million, said a press release.

A multinational company, Samsung, was picked as the main sponsor of the series on Tuesday, reportedly for $4 million. The release quoted PCB chief as saying: "Over a billion people in south Asia are eagerly awaiting the forthcoming India- Pakistan series.

The matches will have a historical significance as the Indian team is touring Pakistan after a gap of 14 years.