ISLAMABAD, July 1: Pakistan cricket chief, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, on Tuesday threatened to take away all international cricket from Rawalpindi in the forthcoming season if the condition of the Rawalpindi Stadium was not improved.

“Unless the stadium is handed over to us on a long-term basis or its condition improved, international cricket cannot be played at this venue,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman told a news conference.

The stadium which has staged a number of Test matches and One-day Internationals, is today a picture of neglect, courtesy of the local administration.

The PCB has allotted Rawalpindi a South Africa Test, a three- day side match and a One-day International which could also be played in Quetta. But the general warned all that cricket could be moved elsewhere.

There were reports earlier of some talks going on between the Rawalpindi administration and the PCB. However, no results are forthcoming.

The South African cricket team is to arrive in Pakistan on Sept 22 on a 37-day tour during which they will play three Tests and as many One-day Internationals besides a couple of side games. Bangladesh and New Zealand will also be touring this season.

Meanwhile, Tauqir said that a Pakistani based in England had volunteered to give Rs 1 million to a deserving former Test cricketer of Rawalpindi

or to other outstanding first class players through a tournament.

Surbuland Khan, who is himself from Rawalpindi will put up the money every year, said Tauqir who returned from England the other day after attending various international cricket meetings.

He felt that the Pakistan team that lost to England 1-2 was hardworking but needed to improve. “They are young players who are willing to work hard and really want to learn.”

Opinion

Editorial

The Peca problem
Updated 15 Feb, 2025

The Peca problem

The fight for fundamental freedoms is not the media’s alone, but one that concerns every citizen.
Miners in danger
15 Feb, 2025

Miners in danger

YESTERDAY’S devastating terrorist attack in Harnai, which killed at least 11 coal miners and injured seven others,...
Solar panels scam
15 Feb, 2025

Solar panels scam

THE scam involving over-invoicing to the tune of more than Rs69bn in the import of solar panels raises many ...
Dangerous times
Updated 14 Feb, 2025

Dangerous times

Pakistan accounted for six journalist killings in 2024, of which three were deliberately murdered, according to the CPJ.
Difficult target
14 Feb, 2025

Difficult target

A ONE-two punch delivered by an unforeseen, sharp dip in inflation and an extremely slim base of taxpayers is...
Amazing show
14 Feb, 2025

Amazing show

PAKISTAN’S ability to turn it up at the flick of a switch remains uninhibited. The latest show came in...