The PCB has been recieved a number of requests by philanthropic and humanitarian organizations requesting the presence of Pakistan Cricket Team to attend function in U.K. aiming to raise funds for worthy causes such as Earthquake Relief, free eye treatment and other humanitarian causes. Some UK Welfare Orgnizations have sought only to honour the team in their midst.

The PCB would like to thank these orgnizations for their invitations and to clarify that all possible slots for such appearances at obligatory functions have already been filled and there is no further possibility of the team making additional commitments, however worthy the cause. It needs to be noted that in keeping with ICC guidelines, a touring cricket team is not expected to accept dinners/receptions during a tour except one function each by the High Commissioner and the host board.

For general information, the Board has already helped generate a significant contribution towards Earthquake relief amounting to around Rs.300 million which includes personal contributions by the Pakistan Team and special fund-raising one-day-internationals.

While the team is grateful for these invitations, their primary task of focusing on cricket has to be given top priority.

Abbas Zaidi
Director Board Operations

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)