10 March 2004	Wednesday	18 Muharram 1425

TORONTO, March 9: Plans are under way to hold Canada Cricket Cup here in year 2006, said the newly-elected president of Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) Ben Sennik.

He also said that possibilities are being explored to "revive or replace Sahara Cup" which was played here every year between Indian and Pakistani teams in mid 90s.

In an interview with Dawn, the CCA chief said that details are being worked out to stage Canada Cup in the summer of 2006. "We are hoping to have world's top teams here for the cup" he said adding.

The CCA is planning to invite at least three teams from South Asian countries, including India and Pakistan but then much will depend on their availability.

Businessman Sennik has taken over the charge as chief of Canada's cricket body last month replacing veterinarian Dr. Geoff Edwards who headed the organization for six years.

Answering a question Sennik said the CCA was seeking help of the International Cricket Conference (ICC) to stage the 2006 event in a very "organized and dignified manner."

Talking about the revival of Sahara Cup, he said cricket-crazy fans across Canada want to see India and Pakistan play One-Day series in Toronto again. He said the organizers of Sahara Cup found Toronto a neutral venue for Indo-Pak One-Day matches but now the tension has defused in the sub-continent and Indians will be playing matches in Pakistan this month.

"Still there is a great desire in Canada that teams from India and Pakistan be invited to play a series of One-Day matches in Toronto. We are considering various proposals to bring Indian and Pakistan teams here," he added. Senek also said that Canada had offered ICC to hold its conference at least once in two years.