KARACHI: A new chapter will begin in the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Iran when a three-member national snooker team leaves for Tehran by air on Wednesday noon for the first ever bilateral series against the hosts being played from March 31 to April 5.The series was delayed for some three weeks due to visa formalities that were finally issued last week when Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) president Alamgir Sheikh called on Iranian Consul General Abdullah Hai in the city.

The team comprised Shahid Aftab, Imran Shahzad and Mohammad Sajjad. Shahzad Riaz Choudhry will accompany the team as manager.

The members of the team have reached here from upcountry on Tuesday.

According to mutually agreed format, six matches comprising three singles and as many reverse singles of best of seven frames will be played daily for six days between the two nations.

One point will be awarded for each frame won, one bonus point for break of 50 and two bonus points for break of 100.

The points will be carried forward each day and in the end the team securing more points will be declared champion.

The matches will be played at Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex.

The hosts have provided return air tickets for three players and an official apart from meeting boarding and lodging expenses and providing 150 US Dollars apiece to three players and official.

According to PBSA chief, Pakistan will play host to Iranian team sometime next year.

The Pakistan team returns on April 6.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and India have been engaged in reciprocal snooker series in the past.