Faisalabad, Oct 27: Pakistani cricket authorities are predicting that one tour by arch rival India will help them recover two years worth of financial losses. "We have launched our preparations and hope that next year we erase our losses," Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Ramiz Raja told reporters today.
The Indian government last week said it was ready to resume all sporting ties with Pakistan. India had canceled scheduled tours to Pakistan three times in the last three years.
"We have received a letter from (Board of Control for Cricket in India) President Jagmohan Dalmiya in which he has formally informed us of their government's clearance and asking for a fresh itinerary," said Raja.
The PCB estimates it has lost USD 25 million by playing foreign teams at neutral venues since the US-led campaign against terror in neighboring Afghanistan that followed the September 11 attacks on America.
"We have four Indian companies lined up to co-sponsor the series. We have a good chance to market the (Pakistan-India series) and make up for India's refusal and several other losses," said Raja.
The PCB has already proposed three tests and seven limited-overs internationals between February 19 and April 8 next year.
However, Indian cricketers would only return from a four-test tour of Australia on February 14, "so they have asked for fresh dates and we hope to get back to them in the next few days," Raja said.
Bureau Report