da lvbet： The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials were left scratching theirheads after New Zealand Cricket (NZC) demanded fivefeet high icetubs at all the centres in the forthcoming series
Samiul Hassan22-Aug-2001The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials were left scratching theirheads after New Zealand Cricket (NZC) demanded fivefeet high icetubs at all the centres in the forthcoming series.Officials, requesting anonymity, said the logic behind the ice tubswas to assist the visitors counter the scorching heat and humidconditions which is likely to chase them all through their six-weektour starting Sept 19.”NZC have explained that their players, after returning from thefield, will first stand in the ice tub and then proceed for showers orchanging kits,” the confused official said.He added: “This is a unique demand but the NZC claims it is in linewith the modern scientific and medical information. They believe itwould help beat heat stroke and exhaustion.”The PCB officials were now wondering how to make the ice boxesavailable. “Frankly speaking it is a very uncomfortable situation.Either the boxes have to be of fibre class or iron to keep the iceintact. But, we will consult some of the specialists before taking astep forward.”Earlier this year, Australia used ice jackets to combat the Indianheat. Whether the ice jackets helped the Australian players, thebottomline is their 16-Test winning record was broken by SauravGanguly’s men who went on to win the series 2-1.In addition to the ice tubs the NZC has also demanded the PCB toupgrade the players dressing rooms.Sources said Jeff Crowe, the Black Caps manager, during his facilitiesinspection tour earlier this month, demanded that the players’ roomshould be made air-conditioned like the ones in Bangladesh and SriLanka.”It is an unrealistic demand because what we know that no dressingroom in the world is air-conditioned. And it is because the playersmight get stiff if they come sweating in cold conditions. “But sincethese are demands, we will have to fulfil them,” sources said.The director of the PCB, Brig Munawar Rana, was diplomatic whenapproached for comments on NZC demands. “The arrangements of the toursare matters which are decided by the two boards with mutualaccommodation.”