ISLAMABAD // New Zealand has offered to play cricket matches in Pakistan to raise funds for those affected by floods that have devastated the country, a Pakistan Cricket Board official says today. "We have received an e-mail from New Zealand Cricket in which they have said they are even willing to play in Pakistan to raise funds," PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told The Associated Press. "It's (the tour) in a very early stage, but we think it's a very good gesture on the part of NZC."
Cricket tours of Pakistan were abandoned after the Sri Lanka team's convoy was attacked by gunmen last year and since then Pakistan have been playing at neutral venues including the UAE. Last year Pakistan played a one-day series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and also played their "home" Test series in New Zealand. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union has already said they are planning to send their national team to Pakistan to raise funds for relief efforts.
"Not only international cricket will be revived in Pakistan with these tours, it will also help us to raise funds for people affected by these floods," Sarwar said. Pakistan was stripped of the status as co-host for the 2011 World Cup after the ambush on the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus at Lahore in March last year. Six police officers and a van driver were killed and several Sri Lankan players and officials were injured.
* AP
