December 22, 2006	Friday	Ziqa'ad 30, 1427

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LAHORE, Dec 21: Sindh will play NWFP while Punjab will take on Islamabad on the first day of the national baseball championship at Iqbal Park Sports Complex on Friday.

Pakistan Federation Baseball secretary, Khawar Shah, told a press conference on Thursday that according to the format of the championship, one top team of the province would move into the higher tier to meet strong teams like defending champions Army, Wapda and Police.

Khawar, explained that at the end of the championship, best probables would be picked to hone their skills for the important event of the Asian Senior Championship, which is also the qualifying round of the Beijing Olympics-2008.

He said coaches from Cuba or USA would be hired to impart training to the players for the important event to be held next December.

Pakistan have qualified for the Asian Senior Championship after winning the qualifying round in Rawalpindi in April this year. In the senior championship, Pakistan will be playing with the elite group of Asian countries, namely, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines for the first time. Top teams will qualify for the Olympics-2008.

He said Cuban coaches would be given preference as Pakistani players were also used to heavy hitting. He said negotiations were under way to sign a deal with a Cuban or USA coach.