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Published 27 Oct, 2008 12:00am

Pakistan ready to play Tests against WI

LAHORE, Oct 26: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is ready to play a proposed two-Test series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi, even on no profit no loss basis, informed sources told Dawn.

A final decision in this regard is likely to be taken on Monday.

The PCB, which has proposed the Test series at a neutral venue next month, to make up for Pakistan’s cricketing drought caused by the postponement of ICC Champions Trophy, is negotiating with marketing companies as well as broadcasters to strike a deal.

The series was proposed after the two cricket boards had already agreed to play three one-day series in Abu Dhabi from Nov 12.

Sources said the PCB is expecting low cost of the Test series because it will start soon after the end of the limited-overs series.

“The PCB is much interested in the two-Test series as the country could not play a single Test in 2008 after Australia postponed their tour of Pakistan in April on security grounds,” sources said.

“But the PCB is not ready to hold it at the risk of financial losses as it can’t afford it due to its already depleted financial position,” sources said.

The West Indies had demanded $1 million for the two Tests but the PCB had offered them only $400,000, sources further said.

In the past the PCB organised a home ODI series against Bangladesh while bearing huge financial losses, after Australia refused to visit Pakistan in April.

The sources said negotiations were on with three different broadcasters as director international cricket Zakir Khan is currently in Dubai.

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