Mystery of the unknown victim

New Delhi, June 6 — Three days after the speeding car of a politician’s son rammed a taxi in South Delhi, the identity of the 28-year-old woman passenger killed in the incident remains a mystery. The police claim they have contacted individuals whose phone numbers were recovered from the victim’s phone but, curiously, “all of them have expressed ignorance about her identity”. Mystery also shrouds the whereabouts of the injured taxi driver, Naresh Kumar Kapoor (33), who was taken to AIIMS for treatment before he went untraceable. The taxi is registered with an authorised stand within the premises of The Lalit, a 5-star hotel, in Central Delhi. A senior police officer, strictly on the condition of anonymity, said, “He is in a state of shock and his version of the incident is yet to be recorded.” However, when asked whether the police knew where he was, the officer replied in the negative. The driver of the two-seater Mercedes Benz convertible, 26-year-old Dinesh Singh Tanwar, walked away scot-free by furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 just hours after the incident that took place at 3.35 am in Africa Avenue Marg. Dinesh is the son of Kanwar Singh Tanwar, the second richest candidate in Delhi to contest the 2008 Assembly polls on a BSP ticket, who later joined the Congress.

On speculations that the unidentified female belonged to an escort service, the DCP said, “We are investigating the case from all angles and these speculations are not relevant.”

Taliban in secret unofficial talks over Afghanistan in Maldives?

Washington, May 21(ANI): The Taliban is reportedly holding secret unofficial talks over Afghanistan at an undisclosed location in the Maldives.

It is not clear whom the Taliban are talking to, but a Maldivian Government statement has indicated that it might be with the officials not directly connected with the Afghanistan Government.

“We cannot disclose the location of the talks, although we can confirm that they are not being held in Male or other population centres,” ABC quoted the statement, as saying.

“Afghanistan’s stability affects the peace and security of our region. The government of Maldives supports efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan,” the statement added.

The Afghan administration of President Hamid Karzai had earlier made it clear that it would like to negotiate with the Taliban, and the subject of negotiations was one of the prime topics discussed when Karzai met with U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this month.

However, talking over the speculations, Afghan Government Media Center Deputy Director, Sedeqi, denied that Afghanistan Government is participating in the negotiations.

“We aren’t involved in these talks,” Sedeqi said.

U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley also supported the claim and said: “The Afghan Government has told us that it is aware of the unofficial talks being reported today… and according to the Afghan Government these talks do not include official representatives of the Government of Afghanistan.” (ANI)

Umar Akmal doubtful for semi-final clash against Oz in T20 WC

St. Lucia (West Indies), May 14 (ANI): Young Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal is a doubtful starter for today’s World T20 Championship semi-final clash against Australia.

According to reports, Umar was taken to a local hospital here after he complained of back pain, and would be going through an MRI scan later.

Any final decision regarding Umar’s inclusion in the final eleven for the all important match against the Kangaroos would be taken after his MRI report comes, The News quoted sources in the Pakistani dressing room, as saying.

There are speculations that uncapped young batsman Hammad Azam may replace Umar, if he is declared unfit to play.

Umar’s absence could severely dent Pakistan’s hopes of playing in the final of the ICC World T20 Championship for the second consecutive time, as he has been in good form in the ongoing tournament.

He scored a brilliant 51 of 43 balls in the last Super Eight match against South Africa at the Beausejour Stadium here, which helped Pakistan register an easy 11 run win knocking the Proteas out from the tournament. (ANI)

No ‘wedding gift’ for Shoaib Malik by lifting 1-year ban: PCB

Islamabad, May 13 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of Cricket Operations Zakir Khan has denied reports regarding the one year ban imposed on all-rounder Shoaib Malik being lifted as a gift for his recent marriage with India Tennis sensation Sania Mirza.

When asked about the issue Khan told Cricistan.com that such speculations had no substance in them.

“ The PCB has made its decision but the affected players also have certain rights under the PCB constitution. One of which is the right of appeal. The players have appealed and now the matter moves to arbitration. The arbitration panel will consider the evidence and testimonies and then evaluate whether the PCB”s decision was correct or not. Only after that can we move forward, until that happens we can only speculate,” he explained.

Khan stressed that the ban and fines imposed on players were based on first hand information after the disastrous Australia tour.

“The PCB enquiry committee was formed to look into the poor performance during the tour of Australia and what the causes behind it were. Evidence and testimony from players and administrators was presented to the committee and the final decision was based on that,” he added. (ANI)

Here”s why Annie Lenox wore “HIV Positive” tee

London, April 29 (ANI): Annie Lennox says she sported a t-shirt emblazoned with the words ”HIV Positive” on American Idol to express solidarity with the people infected with the deadly virus.

The Eurythmics star, 55, triggered speculations about her heath after she wore the tee on the talent hunt show last week.

However, she has now explained her decision for selecting the outfit.

“The fact that I wore the t-shirt made thousands of people speculate whether I was was HIV positive or not. So many people responded, that it was the number one most discussed topic on Yahoo and MySpace. It”s such a simple thing, to wear a t-shirt with a message like that… yet it is highly controversial, and it forces people to confront an issue that is usually ignored, or kept at a distance,” the Daily Star quoted her, as writing on her blog.

Lennox added: “The t-shirt is a bold statement of solidarity with those of us who are HIV positive. It risks social chastisement, because it is accompanied by a load of fear and taboo. We want HIV to go away… but it”s currently the biggest killer of women of reproductive age around the globe. As a woman and a mother I intend to keep sending out the message.” (ANI)

Kings XI Punjab under I.T. scanner over Burman”s share

Mumbai, Apr 29 (ANI): The Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kings XI Punjab, has come under the scanner of the Income Tax (IT) Department with respect to Mohit Burman”s share in the team.

“Mohit Burman”s funds came from London via Mauritius,” said IT sources.

“Kings XI Punjab incurred unexpected losses of Rs 70 crore,” sources added.

Kings XI co-owner Ness Wadia has rubbished all the charges against the team.

“Do not wish to get sucked into speculations in the media,” said Ness Wadia.

“All funds are above the Board and we are co-operating with the investigating agencies,” he added.

Preity Zinta, actor and part-owner of the Punjab team has said that there are no proxy holdings in Punjab Kings XI.

Zinta said that she is confident that suspended IPL Commsioner Lalit Modi is not a secret owner in the Punjab franchise.

Modi”s relative Mohit Burman, bought into the team at the same time as Zinta and other partners like Karan Paul. Mohit”s brother, Gaurav, invested in the team later, said Zinta, and he is not a front for Modi. (ANI)

No ties with Shibu Soren: Sharad Yadav

New Delhi, Apr 29 (ANI): Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Sharad Yadav on Thursday refused to align with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren following his vote in favour of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government on the cut motion.

“We have declared our stand on Jharkhand. We cannot align with a person who cannot follow his words,” said Yadav.

Miffed with Soren”s vote in favour of the UPA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support to the JMM-led Government in Jharkhand on Wednesday that reduced it to a minority.

Meanwhile, Keshav Rao, In-charge of Congress party in Jharkhand refused to speak on the issue and said that he had nothing to do with the matter and would speak only after a decision is taken.

“I have nothing to do with the Jharkhand issue. It is not our making. I am in a hurry. But certainly, we are watching every development very carefully and will only react after that,” said Keshav Rao.

“I have nothing to do with it. I am not putting my head there. I don”t want to pull down any government or destabilize anybody or any party. So when things develop, then I will react,” he added.

There are also speculations that Soren may have struck a deal with the Congress party.

It is reported that Jharkhand might then have a JMM, Congress and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) coalition government.

In the 81-member assembly, Congress has 14 legislators, JMM 18 and the JVM (P) has 11 assembly members.

Soren was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on December 30, 2009 for the third time.

He had formed the government with a five-party coalition.

Soren had secured the support of 44 MLAs in the 81-member House after the assembly elections in Jharkhand gave a fractured verdict.

The JMM had 18 seats, BJP had 18 seats, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) had two seats, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) had five seats and Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch (JJM) had one seat in the assembly. (ANI)

”Rajneeti” is much more than politics: Katrina Kaif

Mumbai, Apr 28 (ANI): Actress Katrina Kaif has said that her upcoming flick ”Rajneeti” is much more than politics, and despite it not being a serious film, it is a crucial topic.

“The story in this film is not just what you see in posters or in promos. You have seen a lot of (these), obviously you have seen it as a political film, but there is a very interesting story behind it. There is a personal story as well, there is romance in the film, there is jealousy, there is bitterness, there is betrayal,” said Katrina Kaif.

“It is not a serious film, it is about a serious topic, but it is very entertaining film in the content. Otherwise, you guys all know me well enough to know that I wouldn”t do a film, which is not entertaining. This is entertainment of a different sort,” she added.

Contrary to speculations that her character in the film was inspired by the Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Kaif said that she had watched the election campaign videos of Gandhi”s daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for a first hand know-how on right looks and the body language.

“That is one of the persons whom I have seen, I did particularly like her (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of ruling Congress party president Sonia Gandhi) way of talking and the way she talks in public and because we are not basing my character on anybody living or dead,” said Katrina Kaif.

“I think I had freedom and Prakash Jha also gave me that freedom to maybe just see somebody I like and try develop a character to that,” she added.

Kaif launched the music album of the film along with actor Ranbir Kapoor and Director Prakash Jha here on Tuesday.

Talking about the music of the film, actor Ranbir Kapoor mentioned that Jha has roped in some renowned music composers for the film, and added that music would add to the layers of ”Rajneeti”.

“Rajneeti is a family-political thriller and I think the music just helps to be more engaging to the audience, but don”t expect us to be singing songs or doing anything,” said Ranbir Kapoor.

Director Prakash Jha said the film is the story of power-seekers, people who continuously seek power like power in personal life, power in professional life and in political standing.

Fifty-eight year old Prakash Jha returns to the silver screen this June with ”Rajneeti”, a big-budget political thriller that has a multitude of stars such as Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Nana Patekar.

The flick has been shot in Bhopal is expected to hit the theaters on June 4, 2010. (ANI)

Swat Taliban chief Fazlullah alive, living with impunity in Pak, claims spokesman

Peshawar, Apr.27 (ANI): Swat Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah has long been eluding Pakistani security forces, who apparently have no idea about his whereabouts, however, the extremist leader’s spokesperson has claimed that he is alive and in Pakistan itself.

Late last year, reports said that Fazlullah has crossed over to Afghanistan. Pakistani officials also claimed that he was wounded and was unlikely to survive.

However, Fazlullah’s spokesperson Omar Hasan Ahrabi has claimed that the militant leader was never injured and is in fine health.

Ahrabi said though Fazlullah was currently in Pakistan, he could cross over to Afghanistan whenever he wishes.

“I am in touch with him through handwritten letters. He is in our ‘watan’ (our homeland) and is able to cross over to Afghanistan whenever he wishes,” The News quoted Ahrabi, as saying.

The spokesman said that a new video of Fazlullah would be released soon to put to rest all speculations about his health.

Fazlullah, who is said to be in his early 30s, is the most wanted Taliban leader in Swat with a bounty 50 million rupees on his head.

Fazlullah’s whereabouts have long been a matter of speculation, but it is believed that he has taken refuge tribal areas, such as Mohmand or Orakzai in the restive Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). (ANI)

Naomi Campbell”s Russian lover talks about wedding plans

London, April 24 (ANI): According to a Russian report, Naomi Campbell’s boyfriend Vladimir Doronin has confirmed that the couple is planning to tie the knot.

The British model fuelled speculations in 2008 that the couple is going to marry after she was spotted at a party in Moscow, wearing a big emerald ring on her wedding finger, reports The Daily Express.

Campbell’s representative then rubbished the rumour but speculations went on. The couple has been dating since 2008.

The 39-year-old model herself refused reports that their marriage was about to take place. But now Doronin has affirmed that they will be marrying each other.

“I can”t say it took us long to decide who will be bridesmaid. We are good friends with Russian entrepreneur Dasha Zhukova, she is a wonderful person and talented designer. So she will be next to Naomi at our wedding,” Doronin told Life.ru on being asked about the bridesmaid’s choice.

Doronin did not confirm when the wedding will take place. (ANI)

Indo-Pak trust deficit looms large over Bhutan SAARC summit

New Delhi, Apr.21 (ANI): Persisting ambiguity over the possibility of an Indo-Pak dialogue taking place on the sidelines of next week”s SAARC summit in Bhutan, has once again hijacked attention from broader and more complex issues involving this nearly 25-year-old regional grouping.

Whether the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will meet his Pakistani counterpart,Yousuf Raza Gilani? Whether it will be a structured dialogue or a photo op?, Whether India is ready to resume the stalled “composite dialogue” with Pakistan during the summit? All of these speculations are doing the rounds.

Scant attention, however, is being paid to the SAARC agenda, which does not mandate its members to raise or discuss bilateral issues.

But, paradoxically, bilateral issues have always dominated multilateral agenda and the sixteenth SAARC Summit in Thimpu is not expected to be any different from the past.

The “trust deficit” in the Indo-Pak relationship has time and again eclipsed and cast a shadow on multilateral agenda of the SAARC. It has remained a source of frustration for smaller nations like Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan.

According to sources, three agreements, the Trade in Services in SAFTA, Natural Disaster Response Mechanism and the Convention on Cooperation on Environment have been finalized by the SAARC Expert committee meeting, which took place in Thimpu in March.

But at the last minute, Pakistan vetoed the SAARC Natural Disaster Response Mechanism that was intended to build a permanent team of rescuers from all eight nations who could provide contingency rescue services in the case of emergencies or natural catastrophes.

Islamabad has reportedly scuttled the mechanism because it is wary of opening its borders to Indian rescue workers.

Analysts believe this move by Islamabad is not only counter-productive for itself and India, but will also be a setback to other smaller nations like Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka which are prone to marine disasters.

Located along the high seismic zone of the Himalayas, Afghanistan and Nepal could have been major beneficiaries of the regional mechanism.

Over the years, SAARC nations have been pushing for connectivity and free transit. Talks of a visa free regime are also heard aloud at the forum, but nothing has been translated into reality.

With countries like Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan landlocked, overcoming high transaction costs due to poor trade facilitation appears to be a priority for the regional grouping.

Pakistan has shown no cooperation in opening a transit route to Afghanistan for Indian goods.

Similarly Bangladesh wants India to open up a transit route to Nepal and Bhutan.

This can only happen if there is unanimity, especially among the larger member nations like India and Pakistan.

The implementation of the SAFTA in real terms still seems a distant dream.(ANI)

US will consider Pak’s request for nuclear power plants during talks: Clinton

Washington, Mar.24 (ANI): Amid speculations whether the White House would address Pakistan’s long standing demand of a civil nuclear deal similar to India or not, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has clarified that America will consider Islamabad’s request for nuclear power plants during the first ministerial-level strategic talks between the two countries.

In an interview with a Pakistani television channel, Clinton said she would not prejudge the outcome of deliberations but added that the US would ‘go deep into’ all issues which would raised by Pakistan during the strategic dialogue.

“I am sure that that’s going to be raised and we’re going to be considering it.I can’t prejudge or pre-empt what the outcome of our discussions will be, except to say that this strategic dialogue is at the highest level we’ve ever had between our two countries. We are very committed to it,” Clinton said.

When asked about the nuclear deal with India, she said : “That was the result of many, many years of strategic dialogue. It did not happen easily or quickly.”

Clinton was reminded that since Pakistan was reeling severe power crisis, nuclear power plants would be of great help, to which she replied that there were other specific measures that Islamabad must take to address the issue, and meet its energy needs.

“And I think on the energy issue specifically, there are more immediate steps that can be taken that have to help with the grid, have to help with other sources of energy, to upgrade power plants and the like,” The Dawn quoted Clinton, as saying.

“And we are certainly looking at those and we want to help Pakistan with its immediate and its long-term energy needs,” she added.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who would be representing his country during Wednesday’s (March 24) talks, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other members of the Pakistani delegation held a series of meeting with US officials.

“Our talks were frank and candid. We conveyed Pakistan’s plans and priorities and expressed our hope that the strategic dialogue will lead to a qualitative difference in the relationship between Pakistan and the US,” Qureshi told reporters after holding a long meeting with influential Senator John Kerry, Congressman Howard Berman and members of their committees that deal with foreign affairs. (ANI)

US undecided on offering India like nuclear deal to Pak

Islamabad, Mar.23 (ANI): Amid speculations that the US might offer Pakistan a civil nuclear deal similar to India during the upcoming strategic dialogue on March 24, the US embassy in Islamabad has rejected such reports, saying there are no negotiations on between the two countries on the issue.

“The US has not entered negotiations on a civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan. The United States is committed to helping Pakistan address its real and growing energy needs, and we look forward to cooperating with Pakistan in ways that are compatible with Pakistan’s economic, environmental and security needs and with US international commitments and policies,” a US Embassy spokesman told a private television channel.

Reports regarding the Obama Administration offering a India-like nuclear deal to Islamabad gained momentum after US Ambassador to Pakistan, in a interview with a newspaper, described the March 24 talks as “working level talks”, and hinted a change of heart on part of Washington.

“We are beginning to have a discussion with the Pakistan Government on the country’s desire to tap nuclear energy,” Patterson had said.

“Earlier on, non-proliferation concerns were quite severe. I think we are beginning to pass those and this is a scenario that we are going to explore,” she added.

India has already expressed concerns over reports regarding the White House’ overtures to Pakistan.

“America needs to take a holistic view on the US-Pak nuclear deal. The US should consider Pakistan’s track record before any deal,” External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had said referring to the history of Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation. (ANI)

US undecided on offering India like nuclear deal to Pak

Islamabad, Mar.23 (ANI): Amid speculations that the US might offer Pakistan a civil nuclear deal similar to India during the upcoming strategic dialogue on March 24, the US embassy in Islamabad has rejected such reports, saying there are no negotiations on between the two countries on the issue.

“The US has not entered negotiations on a civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan. The United States is committed to helping Pakistan address its real and growing energy needs, and we look forward to cooperating with Pakistan in ways that are compatible with Pakistan’s economic, environmental and security needs and with US international commitments and policies,” a US Embassy spokesman told a private television channel.

Reports regarding the Obama Administration offering a India-like nuclear deal to Islamabad gained momentum after US Ambassador to Pakistan, in a interview with a newspaper, described the March 24 talks as “working level talks”, and hinted a change of heart on part of Washington.

“We are beginning to have a discussion with the Pakistan Government on the country’s desire to tap nuclear energy,” Patterson had said.

“Earlier on, non-proliferation concerns were quite severe. I think we are beginning to pass those and this is a scenario that we are going to explore,” she added.

India has already expressed concerns over reports regarding the White House’ overtures to Pakistan.

“America needs to take a holistic view on the US-Pak nuclear deal. The US should consider Pakistan’s track record before any deal,” External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had said referring to the history of Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation. (ANI)

Cheryl Cole house hunting after splitting with hubby

London, Mar 10 (ANI): After splitting with cheating husband Ashley, Cheryl Cole is all set to move out of their shared home and is busy house hunting.

The singer has been looking at two luxury properties and has told friends that her marital home holds too many painful memories.

Speculations are rife that Cheryl will soon come to a decision on buying a new place – probably still in the Surrey area.

“Cheryl does not want the separation to be a long, drawn-out affair,” the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

“She wants to find somewhere quickly so she can regain stability and become settled once more.

“If she can’t find somewhere she likes she’ll consider rented accommodation in the short term,” added the source.

And the news of Cheryl’s house hunting is likely to come as a major blow to Ashley – reinforcing how determined she is to move on.

“It’s a real shame because Cheryl loved that place. But all her memories of it have been soured by what’s gone on,” added the source. (ANI)

Halle Berry ends pregnancy rumours with sexy look on TV

Washington, Sep 18 (ANI): Putting all speculations about her pregnancy to rest, Halle Berry appeared with a sexy look on TV in America on Thursday.

The ‘Monster’s Ball’ star arrived on The Jay Leno Show wearing a revealing black mini-dress and thigh-length boots.

And the 43-year-old actress was hoping that the outfit would be enough to end speculation she’s expecting a second child.

Talking to host Leno, Berry said that the pregnancy talk is beginning to give her a “complex”.

“I was like, ‘I gotta stop with the burgers, or something,’” Contactmusic quoted her as saying. (ANI)

Oz speed-reader to demystify Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol 2hrs after release

Melbourne, September 14 (ANI): Publishers of Dan Brown’s much-anticipated book, ‘The Lost Symbol,’ will host speed reading competition during its launch in Australia.

The person who ends reading the book fastest will be provided with an opportunity to give its first review.

Speculations are high on the closely-guarded plot, which is believed to focus on the Freemasons.

Publisher Random House will provide a copy of the book at the State Library of NSW the moment it is released.

It is expected that the first person should complete reading in two hours.

After which the reader will give a review to public and press.

“Millions of Australians have enjoyed the pure adrenalin thrill of Dan Brown’s novels, coupled with their fascinating historical insights,” News.com.au quoted Margie Seale, managing director of Random House Australia, as saying in a statement.

The publishers anticipate that the book will match 81 million copies of The Da Vinci Code sold around the world. (ANI)

Guns n’ Roses ‘coming to Osaka, Tokyo in Dec’

Washington, Sept 11 (ANI): Guns n’ Roses’ far east tour will also see the band perform at Japanese cities of Osaka and Tokyo in December this year, it has emerged.

Taiwanese concert promoter Brokers Brothers Herald Ltd is advertising both the shows on the Internet, reports Contactmusic.xl Rose and his team are believed to have given a nod for performing at Osaka Dome on December 16 and the Tokyo dome on December 19.

Taiwanese rock fans may also get to swing with the GNR metal if the speculations of a gig in Taipei come true. (ANI)

Musharraf terms his meeting with Saudi King a success

Lahore, Sep 7 (ANI): Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that his recent meeting with Saudi King Abdullah was a success.

“I was accorded full protocol during my visit to Saudi Arabia to meet King Abdullah, I deem him as my elder brother and can contact him whenever I want,” a private TV channel quoted Musharraf, as saying.

He said during his visit, he discussed the recent political situation of Pakistan at length with the Saudi king, adding that the king had concerns about the situation in Pakistan.

Talking to the channel, Musharraf said the army operation against the Taliban in Malakand had proven successful.

“The operation was undoubtedly successful. The Pakistan Army has always rendered sacrifices and played a vital role to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the ‘royal’ treatment being given to Musharraf during his Saudi Arabia visit has his opponents worried.

The special treatment has sparked speculations that Riyadh is trying to use its influence to ask the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to shun its demand for Musharraf’s trial under the Article Six of the Constitution.

Sources said King Abdullah sent his special airplane to London to fetch Musharraf.

Reports regarding Saudi Arabia cracking its whip on the PML-N and other anti-Musharraf parties has probably forced PML-N to come out with clarifications. (ANI)

PCB yet to decide venue for ‘home’ series against New Zealand

Lahore, Sep. 4 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still undecided regarding the venue of the ‘home’ one-day international series against New Zealand scheduled to be held in November.

While it was being speculated that the series would be held either in the UAE or Malaysia, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ijaz Butt said final decision in this regard would be taken after his meeting with the UAE authorities next week.

“I will meet a member of UAE team in Dubai on September 7 to take a decision on this matter,” The Daily Times quoted Butt, as saying.

“I told them the rates for holding the ODI matches against Australia in Abu Dhabi in April this year were reasonable. Naturally, we don’t want to incur a loss and I informed him to give us rates like that of Abu Dhabi,” Butt added.

Speculations are that Pakistan might host New Zealand in the United States or Malaysia if the PCB fails to convince the UAE cricket authorities regarding hosting the matches in that country.

“These are available options for us although our first preference is to have the series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” a PCB official said.

New Zealand was to tour Pakistan in October-November this year, but refused to visit the country citing deteriorating security conditions there.

Later, the New Zealand Cricket Board agreed to split the series into two parts.

It was decided that Pakistan would host the Kiwis in an ODI series at neutral venues in October-November and the Test series in New Zealand in November-December. (ANI)