Punjab govt asks PCB to reschedule World XI tour

KARACHI: The government of Punjab has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to reschedule the itinerary of the proposed World XI tour to Pakistan.

A source privy to matter confirmed to Geo.tv that the PCB, in series of meetings, have been advised by the provincial government to reschedule the matches due to by-election of NA-120 on September 17.

"The government has told us to either hold matches before 15th September or go for it after 17th," said a source privy to matter.

"We can't manage it after 17th as team has to fly to UAE on 21st for series against Sri Lanka, so we will have to arrange it before 15th" the source added.

According to the tentative dates, the World XI was scheduled to play three T20Is in Lahore on 12th, 15th and 17th of September.

However, after advice from the government, the PCB is now in discussion with the ICC to finalise new dates.

"We are working on it and hopefully we will be able to arrange new dates soon," the source said.

Reports of various security consultants were also tabled during the meetings between PCB officials and Punjab government. The PCB has received assurance from the government that all their recommendations will be implemented in security plans.

"The final report is with CM Shehbaz Sharif for the approval," the source added.

Meanwhile, a newspaper has reported that players participating in the proposed tour will each receive around $100,000 for participation.

"They have been offered $100,00 US dollars to play three matches over six days plus a pre-series training camp in Dubai," reported British newspaper The Telegraph.

The report further added that a security report will be delivered this week by the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations which will go a long way to persuading players whether it is safe to go.

"The Fica report has been compiled by the England & Wales Cricket Board’s security officer Reg Dickason, who visited Pakistan last month to review security plans. It was Dickason’s report last year that cleared the way for England to tour Bangladesh," it says.