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The Cricketers Benefit Funds Series, for the third time in as many weeks, have changed the dates of April 2002 tournament. Sources said the tournament, initially planned between April 9 and 19 and then shifted between April 16 and 23, has now been proposed to be played between April 8 and 16.

Sources said fresh dates have been proposed on the request of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who want to accommodate New Zealand in April and May for a rescheduled series.

The CBFS, whose relationship with Pakistan dates back to 1981, has agreed to alter the dates even at the expense of South Africa who have expressed their inability to play in the competition if it was played between April 8 and 16.

"South Africa cannot participate because they will be hosting Australia and the third Test is scheduled to conclude on April 9," sources said.

Sources said if the fresh dates were acceptable to Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the tournament will be reduced to triangular. Sources further said the CBFS came up with new dates because the PCB wanted the tournament to be held as early as possible.

"New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has verbally agreed to tour Pakistan in April and May, provided its players got adequate rest prior to their departure for the West Indies in June.

"That could have only been possible if the New Zealand series begins sometime mid-April and concludes mid-May. In this case, New Zealand cricketers would have had almost four weeks rest before leaving for West Indies," sources added.

In another major development, Australia has been approached to compete in the proposed August's triangular series in Morocco. Pakistan and South Africa are the other teams.

© Dawn