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Lahore: Cricketing relations between Pakistan and India are likely to be restored as both the countries are invited to compete in a tri-nation tournament to be held at Sharjah from Feb 8 to 11 to raise funds for Indian earthquake victims.

The Asian Cricket Foundation (ACF) chairman, Jagmohan Dalmiya, told newsmen after presiding over a meeting of the ACF here on Thursday, that besides Pakistan and India the third team invited was Bangladesh.

Sharjah was selected as the venue because it offered to stage the contest on such a short notice.

When asked if the India would grant permission for its team for Sharjah event, ACF chief hoped his country would take part on humanitarian grounds.

On the issue of current strained cricketing relations between the two countries the ACF chief said:" I am not a political person and it is a matter to be solved between the two cricket boards".

The decision to hold the event in Sharjah was taken with a view to ensure that it may not become a victim of politics.

He said that Asia Cup now will be held in Pakistan in 2002 instead of 2001 while the second Asia Test Championship is to be played in September 2001 to January 2002.

All four countries Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are to host matches but the final is to be played in Dhaka.

ACF official said that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) would receive US$ 6.5 million as its share from the ICC Knockout Trophy which was held in Kenya last year and the money would be spend on the development of the game in Asian region.

The first tranche of US$ 2.5 million had been received and the remaining amount would be paid in two instalments.

He said that Asia would join hands with the African Cricket Council to form Afro-Asian Cricket Council for the betterment of both the regions. An agreement in this regard would be signed between both the councils in April this year. Later matches between the Asian and African Elevens would also be held, he added.

The ACF would also work for the humanity and Eyes Donation Centres would be set up at Lahore, Colombo, Dhaka and Calcutta. If the experience was successful similar centres would also be established in other cities of the Asia, he added.

© Dawn