Pak likely to play India in Bangladesh

Karachi: Pakistan, who had threatened to skip every tournament where India featured following New Delhi's refusal to allow its team to play across the border, have relented, showing interest in playing a triangular series in Bangladesh even if India participated in it. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, has said Malaysian cricket officials were trying to stage a triangular series in Dhaka in January with Pakistan, India and Bangladesh as participants. "So far nothing is confirmed, no itinerary has been finalised and I'm not very hopeful India will play. But if they do, Pakistan will have no problems going to Dhaka." He said the Malaysian Cricket Association had taken the initiative of organising the series in Dhaka after their plan to host one in Kuala Lumpur fell through because of the short time available to have international facilities ready on time for the event. "We've no part to play in the organisation of this event. It's Malaysia who are doing everything and if they succeed in their move, good luck to them." PCB chairman's statement about playing India has come as a clear shift from his earlier threats that Pakistan would consider breaking all ties with India. The idea to host the triangular series in Dhaka has come about after India refused to visit Pakistan this winter, and also after Pakistan shot down a proposal to play host to Bangladesh in an alternate test series.