Wasim for sixes contests in Pakistan

Former captain Wasim Akram Tuesday floated the idea of instituting sixes tournament in Pakistan.

Wasim, who returned from Hong Kong earlier in the day, suggested that departmental teams can be invited in the initial stages before Test playing countries were involved.

"We can start with departmental teams and the tournaments are restricted to only smaller cities where there is interest but little opportunity for the lovers to watch stars in action.

"The tournament can wind up in two days and I am sure in those two days, the cricket lovers will have their money's worth because it is rapid cricket in which there are just sixes and fours," Wasim said.

Pakistan defeated South Africa Sunday to complete hat trick of titles in Hong Kong.

Wasim's suggestion was backed by Rashid Latif who said: "The biggest advantage will be that Pakistan will find more strokeplayers. I am planning to start sixes cricket for my academy immediately after Ramazan."

Wasim was first to raise his hand and said he was willing to play. "I am ready to play in the tournaments because I also feel that it would help in game's promotion. Besides, international matches are not played in smaller cities because of logistic problems. But sixes cricket can be held there.

"In addition to this, the sixes cricket will have a lot of commercial value.

"The tournament was a tremendous success in Hong Kong. The biggest television network was there and the stands were packed. I am confident that interest in Pakistan wouldn't be different if it was staged."