May 22, 2007	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 05, 1428

ABU DHABI, May 21: Pakistan will be involved in one international cricket event in Abu Dhabi every year, according to their cricket chief. “This is a great cricketing venue. It is our duty to support it. We will be sending 'A' teams and other junior teams. We'll also participate and help in organising an international event here every year,” Dr Nasim Ashraf, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, said.

Asked whether this meant Pakistan will only play in Abu Dhabi in UAE, he said: “As of now, I know there is only one international facility in the UAE and we are talking only about that.”

Commenting on PCB-appointed committee's report, which blamed Inzamam-ul-Haq for Pakistan's poor World Cup show, he said: “Selection of any player will only be based on fitness and form. There will be a rotation policy for players, based on their form.”

On new coach, he said: “We do need a coach and that is 100%. There are about five to six names, including some from West Indies and Australia. We will pick right person for the job.”

Dr Nasim denied that International Cricket Council (ICC) had objected to pace bowler Mohammad Asif playing here after doping incident.

“There is no such objection and the matter is closed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PCB chief thanked Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Cricket Club for organising such a wonderful tournament here.

The PCB chairman said: “It is Shaikh Nahyan's vision to develop cricket in the region and PCB can go to any length to make it possible. We will be fortunate if we can contribute to his efforts.

“Such type of tournaments will go a long way to lift standard of cricket in the region. PCB is always ready to play at different venues to promote the game worldwide.

“UAE is special for Pakistan because of warm brotherly relations between two countries. PCB is ready to play one tournament at least annually in UAE. We are ready to cooperate with ADCC to organise events.

“I am thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for sending team here soon after World Cup. It shows when there is a will there is a way.” Dr Nasim said.—Agencies