Pakistan opens door for more Abu Dhabi one-dayers

KARACHI, June 7 (Reuters) The lure of a cash incentive has led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reverse a decision against playing further matches in Abu Dhabi this year because of a tight international schedule.

The South Asian country rejected proposals from organisers in Abu Dhabi after participating in two charity one-dayers against India in April, but the board now appears to have opened the door for a possible return to the UAE.

''The cricket set-up in Abu Dhabi is keen to have more matches this year,'' PCB director of cricket operations Saleem Altaf told Reuters today.

''There are opportunities available to them, so we have to look at what financial benefits we can gain.'' The April one-dayers raised 10 million dollars for earthquake victims in both countries and Pakistan's change of mind has increased the possibility of Abu Dhabi hosting matches in late September ahead of the Champions Trophy in India.

Altaf added that the team had a free period between September 20 and October 3 and could play in the UAE if financial considerations were right.

REUTERS DH BD1540