LAHORE, Jan 16: Pakistan Cricket Board’s ad hoc committee’s chief Shaharyar Khan on Monday defended the decision to play the first Test against India in the murky Lahore weather, saying the tour schedule was finalised by both nations.

He said Pakistan had initially proposed that the first Test be played in the southern port city of Karachi to avoid the cold, inclement weather prevailing in Lahore and other parts of northern Pakistan.

“But once India said they also wanted to play a practice match before the first Test, we had no choice but to shift the Test to Lahore and play the tour opener here as well,” he added.

“Lahore has two very good grounds and we could hold the practice match at the Bagh-i-Jinnah and the Test at the Qadhafi Stadium.

“We had two clear days at the Test before the weather changed over the last two days. No one can predict that.”

Bad light allowed just 15 overs to be bowled on Sunday and only two more overs were possible in the morning session of the fourth day on Monday.

The first of three Tests is almost certain to end in a draw, frustrating Pakistan’s bid to force victory after they amassed 679-7 declared in the first innings.

The PCB chief said the busy cricket schedules for teams did not leave scope to play around with the available dates.

“This tour by India had to be squeezed between Pakistan’s tour of England and England’s tour to India starting next month,” he said. “If we did not play this series now, we may not have been able to play it at all.”

He said that six-day Tests and use of the white ball is the solution to matches being affected by weather during the winters in Pakistan.

“We are proposing to the International Cricket Council to allow us to play the Tests over six days instead of five and also play with white balls which are easier to sight under lights,” he said.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, meanwhile, blamed inclement weather for the lifeless batting wicket on which the Test is being played.

“We did not know what we would get because of the cold weather,” said Woolmer. “You need a couple of days of hot sun to allow a good pitch to be prepared.

“We had three great Test pitches against England because the weather was suitable for cricket. I hope the pitch for the remaining two Tests is more sporting.”

The second Test will be played in Faisalabad from Jan 21 to 25 and the third in Karachi from Jan 29 to Feb 2.—AFP