Quake won't stop Eng tour

2005-10-10 17:43

Karachi - England's cricket tour to Pakistan later this month will not be affected by the weekend's huge quake and instead both countries are looking to find ways to raise money for victims, an official said on Monday.

"The tour will not be hit by the quake, instead the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has conveyed us to find ways to raise funds through cricket matches," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director Abbas Zaidi told AFP.

"The PCB and the ECB are discussing ways and means to help the victims in this need of hour."

England's Ashes winning squad arrive in Pakistan on October 26 to play three Tests and five one-day matches. The first Test starts in Multan on November 12.

"The cricket world is sad over the loss of so many lives in Pakistan and the ECB has shown its concerns and we are planning to dedicate a one-day match in Lahore to raise funds for the victims," said Zaidi.

Saturday's quake is now thought to have killed up to 40 000 people, flattening whole towns.

"All the cricket playing countries are also worried and there was a minute's silence at the ICC (International Cricket Council) meeting in Sydney, Australia on Monday and ICC is actively planning to raise funds," said Zaidi.

Zaidi said the PCB chairperson will meet his England counterpart David Morgan in Sydney and will discuss the matter further.

The PCB official said there are also plans to hold an international fund raising match for the quake victims.

- SAPA