ACC to organize earthquake relief match: Shaharyar

LAHORE—Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, Shaharyar M. Khan said on Tuesday that the Asian Cricket Council was exploring the possibility of organising a cricket match to raise funds for the relief of earthquake victims. “During a recent telephonic discussion with President, ACC, Jagmohan Dalmiya, an ACC sponsored relief match was considered. We agreed to examine possible dates for an international match in the next few days”, he said in a statement here.
He said the most significant development at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Conference in Sydney was the concern and solidarity of ICC Members over the earthquake disaster in Pakistan. ICC contributed half a million US dollars and Cricket Australia dedicated the Second Day (15th October) proceeds of the Super Series Test to Earthquake Relief Fund. A free telethon was held on October 15 in which people throughout Australia were able to phone in their contributions to the Relief Fund.
He said ICC did consider a limited over Earthquake Relief Match between Australia and the World XI gathered in Sydney but as players from South Africa and New Zealand would not be available and also the sponsors and TV companies would not have the time to announce their campaigns, it was agreed that a larger contribution for the relief effort would be achieved by dedicating the second day of the Super Test. “Australian Prime Minister John Howard made a special reference to the Earthquake disaster during a reception for ICC Members and Channel-9 and Cricket Australia as well as Channel-9 will be sending their contribution from the Appeal directly to Pakistan”, he said. Altogether the international response from the cricket playing countries to earthquake relief has been magnanimous.
PCB and ECB have agreed to dedicate the entire gate money of first ODI between Pakistan and England at Lahore to Earthquake Relief. PCB expects to generate a minimum of Rs. 20 Million from the event, he added. The Afro-Asian Series will also be contributing a portion of their income towards the Fund. Shaharyar, who attended the ICC meeting said with regard to the ICC agenda the Future Tours Programme (FTP) is now a high priority. The existing four years circle has led to a heavily congested programme with countries squeezing in schedules, often with split tours. This has led to player injuries and staleness, playing in unseasonable weather, and lowered interest by sponsors etc.
“We have attempted to extend the circle to 6 years in order to have sufficient gaps in touring schedules. There was a constructive discussion on FTP and a new 6 years schedule is expected to be finalized at the next ICC Executive Board Meeting in March next year “said PCB Chief. Among other issues, Pakistan again expressed its opposition to the new substitute’s rule.This was supported by several members but it was decided that a final decision on the new rule should be made after the completion of the trial period which had about 5 months to run. Pakistan’s proposals for better use of technology in umpiring decision has been accepted and the Super-Series is currently experimenting with increased use of television technology to assist umpires in decision making.
Shaharyar said there was also a healthy debate on 20-20 in which some countries want their successful experiments at the national level to be accepted internationally while other countries, including Pakistan and India, suggested a more cautious approach. As regards