16 February 2004	Monday	24 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 15: Pakistan will host a seminar on the globalisation of cricket, an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official said on Sunday. "The development managers' seminar will discuss the ways to globalise cricket development in all the five regions of the International Cricket Council (ICC)," ACC development manager Zakir Ali Syed told AFP.

Twenty development managers from around the world, along with ICC President Ehsan Mani and chief executive Malcolm Speed, will attend the seminar to be held in Lahore on May 9 and 10.

"ICC has stressed the global development of the game, and all the regions - with special mention going to the Asian region - have contributed in the development of the game," Zakir said.

Celebrated cricketers, coaches and curators will be invited to the seminar, including former West Indian captain turned match referee Clive LIoyd, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, Test cricket's highest run-getter and former Australian captain Alan Border, Aussie great Ian Chappell and former South African opener Barry Richards.

"These celebrated cricketers will suggest the ways on how to globalise the development of the game and far reaching effects of the sport in the days to come," said Zakir.

A delegation from China and Afghanistan will attend the seminar on special invitation. China was awarded affiliate membership of the ACC last year after officials found the sport had a keen following there.

The ACC has hailed the Indian government's decision to approve a tour of Pakistan, saying this will have positive effects on the game in the region. "The hosting of Asia Cup, likely in Sri Lanka in July this year, depends on India's tour to Pakistan and we hope India and Pakistan will play regular cricket after this historic tour," he said. -AFP