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Pakistan still prepared to play India

Pakistani cricket chief Khalid Mahmood said his country was still prepared to play against India despite the conflict between the neighbouring states over Kashmir.

Mahmood, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, also blasted supporters who criticised the team's performance in losing to Australia in the recent World Cup final in England.

He said Pakistan would tour Australia next year as planned, when they are also due to take part in a triangular tournament involving India.

And he said Pakistan would still be ready to play in a one-day series against India in Toronto, in September, which was scrapped earlier this month because of the border fighting between the two countries.

Organisers cancelled the series after several Indian players said cricketing links between the two countries should be severed.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board stands by all of its international commitments, and that includes Toronto," Mahmood said after a rowdy news conference where he defended his team against accusations of match-fixing in the lopsided final which Pakistan lost to Australia by eight wickets.

"There were a number of reasons for losing after playing so well during the tournament," he said.

"Conditions were not very conducive for batting in the morning and if the Pakistan team had bowled first I think the result of the match would have been different," Mahmood said.

Pakistan were dismissed for just 132 after electing to bat first, setting a target which Australia reached in 20.1 overs.

"Also there was tremendous pressure because there were a number of inexperienced players in the side," he said.

Vice-captain Moin Khan, one of the few players not criticised after the tournament, called on the public to support the team.

"They should appreciate the team, because after all we are number two in the world right now," he said.

Mahmood said he expected the judge conducting an inquiry into alleged match-fixing in Pakistani cricket to finalise his report in a month or two.

Australian cricket officials said earlier this month they were looking at other options for the triangular one-day series in January and February in case the problems over Kashmir prevent India or Pakistan playing each other.

UNI