01 March 2004	Monday	09 Muharram 1425

LAHORE, Feb 29: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaharyar M. Khan said on Sunday that next month's Pakistan-India series was not a mere cricketing event and one of its major intentions was to build up the process of bettering relations between the two South Asian countries.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Samsung Cup, the PCB chief said: "It's not just a simple cricket championship since it has great importance to bring closer the people of both countries."

Outlining the significance of the series, Shaharyar said it would be an historic event as the public interest would be at its peak to see the best teams in action.

"We have to show true sportsmanship and spirit to prove to the world that we are a great sports loving nation which like to see the best team winning."

The PCB chairman noted that peace was the solution to every problem and it can bring development to every sphere of life and sporting events can play a big role in bettering relations.

Praising the role of title sponsor in the promotion of cricket, he said that their sponsorship of US$4million will help further develop the game. "Their contribution will bring productive results and it may help one day in introducing cricket in Korea."

Sang Suk Rok, the sponsor's representative said that sports help in unifying people around the globe and create harmony and peace besides opening areas of development.

"Sponsoring of Pakistan-India series is a reflection of our pledge to promote cricket and we hope to continue our association with the game in future as well," he pledged. -APP