India, Pak must cool off — Imran

Colombo, July 16: Former Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan said today his country should avoid facing India on the cricket field until...

Colombo, July 16: Former Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan said today his country should avoid facing India on the cricket field until the stand-off between the two countries over Kashmir eased.

“I think there should be a cooling-off period. The Kashmir conflict is an added pressure,” Imran, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, said.

Mahmood said yesterday it has no problem playing against India at home or elsewhere and that it will host India for a full Test series in 2001 according to a 10-year schedule prepared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Mahmood said as per a decision taken at the PCB Council, the Pakistan team will not only tour Australia to play a Triangular series involving India early next year, but will also host India in 2001.

The PCB council, the highest decision-making body, met in Lahore on Sunday to review things in the post-World Cup scenario amid doubts raised about Indo-Pak cricketing ties.

He said as per the principle of reciprocity’ it was India’s turnto tour after Pakistan visited India earlier this year and it would now largely depend on India whether they want to honour its and ICC’s commitment.

Reacting to reports that the Australian board had set an August deadline for confirmation from India and Pakistan, he said, “If India has reservations, then a deadline should be set for them. We have absolutely no problem.”

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Commenting on the cancellation of the Sahara Cup series, Mahmood said Pakistan was still committed to play in Toronto and wondered what would be line of action by the International Management Group (IMG) which had signed agreements with India and Pakistan to play Sahara Cup for five years.

“If the sponsors back out, IMG will find another sponsor. But I don’t know what would be IMG’s line of action if India pulls out,” Mahmood said.

IMG had signed India and Pakistan to play five series in Toronto and is reportedly paying about $350,000 to either board for the series. The next edition which was due in September, was to havebeen the fourth.

Solanki slams 171

LONDON:

Former England captain Michael Atherton dispelled any fears about being fit enough to bat for long periods by making 268 not out the highest score of his career — for Lancashire against Glamorgan.

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Worcestershire scored 591 for seven declared against Gloucestershire. Graeme Hick finished with 122 and the Indian-born Vikram Solanki a career-best 171. Gloucestershire were then reduced to 150 for six.

Nasser Hussain, the new England captain, was out for 99 as Essex made 429 against Middlesex, who replied with 45 for one.