Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has informed the ICC Chairman Greg Barclay about his apprehension about playing against the arch-rival India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium during the World Cup, according to sources. It was earlier reported by PTI that the PCB wants to play its matches in Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru.
Barclay and ICC General Manager Geoff Allardyce recently visited PCB officials to ensure that they do not demand neutral venues in the ODI World Cup after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) rejected their demand to hold the Asia Cup matches on a ‘hybrid model’.
- PCB asked ICC president Barclay and Geoff Allardyce to hold Pakistan matches in Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata
- PCB will not accept new revenue model if Pakistan’s share of ICC revenue does not increase in 5-year cycle: Najam Sethi
According to PCB sources, Sethi has informed Barclay and Allardyce that Pakistan does not want to play matches in Ahmedabad except for knockout or final-like matches. He said that they have requested the ICC that if the Pakistan government gives permission to India to play the World Cup, Pakistan’s matches should be held in Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Sethi has also said that he will not accept the new revenue model if Pakistan’s share of ICC revenue is not increased for the next five-year cycle.
IPL is the envy of the world, but don’t fall victim to Tests for franchise cricket: Farokh Engineer
London: Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer is happy to see the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) the envy of the world but wants the game’s stakeholders to continue to support Test cricket and take concrete steps for its growth. Economically strong India, England and Australia are committed to Test cricket but players from smaller countries prefer to play in franchise leagues around the world as they earn better money there.
The 85-year-old engineer, who flew from Manchester to London to watch the WTC final between India and Australia, said it was like a game of chess based on circumstances. Batsmen are really tested in it. There should be enough space for both Test and limited over cricket. The final is being played at the Oval where India won its first Test match in England in 1971. The engineer played an important role in India’s victory by scoring 59 runs in the first innings of that match. Engineers have played cricket in the days when cricketers earned Rs 50 a day. He is happy that the current generation of cricketers are earning crores in IPL.
The engineer told PTI that it is not good for Test cricket to be at risk. It is good that T20 is spreading the game around the world but Test cricket should not be sacrificed for this. The World Test Championship showed the world that Test cricket can be just as interesting as limited overs cricket.
