Pakistan to feature in annual Abu Dhabi events: PCB chief

Abu Dhabi, May 21 (UNI) Ensuring that Pakistan will be involved in atleast one international cricket tournament in Abu Dhabi every year, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Naseem Ashraf said they will be sending teams and will also participate in events in Abu Dhabi.

''This is a great cricketing venue. It is our duty to support it.

We will be sending 'A' teams and other junior teams. We'll also participate and help in organising an international event here every year,'' Naseem told ''Gulf News''.

When asked if this meant Pakistan will only play in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Ashraf said ''As of now, I know there is only one international facility in the UAE and we are talking only about that.'' Regarding the selection procedure of the Pakistan team, he said, ''Selection of any player will only be based on fitness and form. There will be a rotation policy for players, based on their form.'' When asked if Pakistan need a coach at all, especially after winning here in the absence of a full-time coach, Ashraf said, ''We do need a coach and that is 100 per cent,'' adding, ''There are about five to six names, including some from the West Indies and Australia. We will pick the right person for the job.'' Regarding media reports that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had objected to Mohammad Asif playing here after the doping incident, Ashraf said, ''There is no such objection and the matter is closed.'' According to a Gulf-based daily, ICC had reportedly expressed its displeasure over PCB's decision to include Asif for the ongoing One-Day series in Abu Dhabi.

UNI