The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Pawar for joint World Cup bid

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 16, 2006

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Pawar for joint World Cup bid

Special Correspondent

Lahore: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will jointly bid for the 2011 World Cup. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Mr. Sharad Pawar, president, BCCI, said a written communication to this effect will be sent soon to the ICC.

The Indian Board chief said it has been decided that India and Pakistan would now play each other in a Test series once in every two years. "It will be on the lines of the Ashes," said Mr. Pawar.

He said the Indian and the Pakistani Boards have reached an understanding to hold a five-match ODI series every year in off-shore venues with a sizable sub-continental population, like California, New Jersey or the UAE. Mr. Pawar added all these tours will be subject to government clearance.

Charity matches

"Two charity matches will be held to raise funds for the earthquake victims of both countries," he said. In the first match, 75 per cent of the proceeds will go to Pakistan and the rest to India. In the second game, it will be shared equally between the two countries," he said.

Mr. Pawar reiterated that the BCCI was not opposed to the Champions Trophy. "We are keen on the tournament. The venues will be New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata," he said. Asked whether he played a role in the selection of Sourav Ganguly in the Indian eleven for the first Test here, Mr. Pawar said, "We have a selection committee. I have always believed that there should be no interference in its functioning."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport