KARACHI, Jan 7: Pakistan and India will play six one-day matches later this year, in addition to the five in the forthcoming series between the two arch-rivals, said Ramiz Raja, the chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday.

"The Indian cricket board has agreed to play six additional matches later this year with each country hosting three games," Ramiz told reporters at National Stadium. "Initially we had proposed for a seven-match One-day International series when India tour Pakistan in March and April. But instead they want to play five one-dayers during the scheduled series."

The official said that PCB was anticipating a very successful series against India that included a three-day practice match, three Tests and five One-day Internationals.

"From the commercial point of view, the Indian series should be a financial success. Efforts will be made to raise a substantial sum to make up for the losses Pakistan had suffered in the last several years for a variety of reasons," he said.

"I don't like to make tall claims but can say that roughly we may generate at least Rs 500 million through sponsorship because of the huge interest from marketing perspective.

Ramiz, who is also handling PCB's marketing department, stressed the need of making the Indian series profitable for the home-based companies. But when asked how would the PCB react if there was a big influx of Indian companies wanting to have a share in the marketing pie by offering far more than the local business houses, he said: "Ideally, we would like Pakistan-based companies to bid for title sponsorship of the series. But at the same time, the offers of our companies should match those of the Indians so that they don't suffer in comparison."

Ramiz reiterated that Karachi would definitely host a Test and a one-dayer against the Indians. "The Indians have stated that they have no reservations about playing matches in either Karachi or Peshawar. We are planning to have the Tests played before the one-dayers because there is a possibility of drop in interest if we do vice versa.

"Just to keep the interest of the fans alive, we would prefer to stage the one-day series at the end of Tests because limited-overs cricket virtually guarantees big crowds.

"The other aspect, which is more crucial, is the dew factor in March that will obviously affect the day-night one-day matches," he pointed out. Talking about his future, Ramiz said that he had been given no mandate by the PCB chairman, Mr. Shaharyar M. Khan. "I continue to work as long as I am asked to. I'll leave the day I lose the sense of enjoyment. As regards doing commentary on TV, that is my profession as a freelancer."

On the under-17 team selection controversy, Ramiz negated the impression the integrity of the selection committee was being questioned. "The PCB chairman only suspended the team because the interest of declaration was not made public. To make the selection transparent an independent committee was formed."

When asked why Karachi had been given step-motherly treatment in matters of team selection, officials and umpires, Ramiz refused to accept that the blame laid squarely with the PCB hierarchy.

"The PCB had always treated Karachi on equal terms. Had this been not the case then Punjab would have dominated 70 per cent on all fronts. For us, everyone is important regardless of the fact that from where he belongs.

"Both Ali Zia and Mohsin Kamal have been working as coaches at the PCB academies and they have done a lot for it. The allegation of obliging them is wrong," he said.

When pointed out that Wasim Akram during his commentary stint in Australia had been giving tips to bowlers like Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra which could benefit India in the Pakistan series, Ramiz admitted that it was a sensitive issue.

"After all, Wasim is an icon and anyone in the world can ask him for help. If the Indians had benefited from his advice then that is quite acceptable from a cricketing point of view," he said, and added, "but we will talk to Wasim to sort out this sensitive issue."