PCB says Australia should follow Zimbabwe and tour Pakistan

Lahore, Jan 12 (UNI) Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr Nasim Ashraf is optimistic saying Australia should follow the footsteps of Zimbabwe cricket team and is hopeful that Cricket Australia will fulfill its commitment with Pakistan.

Nasim while speaking to mediapersons yesterday said ''I am extremely happy and thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and Peter Chingoka for sending their team to Pakistan and giving their total support to the PCB for the tour.'' ''They [ZC] took keen interest in the tour and it will be a good opportunity for the Zimbabweans to perform,'' he added.

The board chief backed Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik saying he is a talented player and PCB will allow him to complete his term till December 2008.

He clearly mentioned that no player contracted by the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) will be considered by PCB for national duty and the board will stick to ICC's policy.

He further added if the ICC changed the rule in this regard, the PCB would also change its approach accordingly.

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