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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought confirmation of April's Sharjah Cup from the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS).

A spokesman of the PCB on Sunday said the inquiry has been made after India refused to travel to the desert city for the Earthquake Relief Series. "If the Indian team is not coming to Sharjah for their own cause, we have serious reservations if they would fulfil their April commitment. "In this background, we have asked CBFS to immediately confirm us if the April tournament was on," the spokesman added.

The official added the PCB would try to plug that gap with any other series if India were not willing to play Pakistan even if there was a third team in the competition involved.

According to the contingency plan, the PCB officials might talk to their Sri Lankan counterparts in next week's International Cricket Council (ICC) moot in Melbourne and discuss possibility of a five-match series during the period when Sharjah Cup is scheduled to be held.

The PCB has already suffered a $15 million loss due to India's refusal to tour Pakistan for three Tests and five one-day internationals "and was not prepared to face more financial losses."

The PCB, sources said, have also advised CBFS to keep a team on standby in case India decline at the last minute. "The CBFS needs to consider all possibilities and have a backup plan ready."

© Dawn