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NEWS India-Pakistan Series in Abu Dhabi 2006> ICC concerned over too much Indo-Pak cricket 03rd Apr 2006  09.00 IST By Agencies   International Cricket Council President Ehsan Mani Sunday said too much cricket between India and Pakistan could take away the iconic status of their rivalry. With India and Pakistan deciding to play at offshore venues regularly in addition to the home and away bilateral series every two years, Mani said he felt it may rob the famous rivalry of its lustre. "I am concerned about the iconic status of India-Pakistan series by the addition of off-shore matches planned by the two boards in addition to the FTPs," the ICC chief said at a press conference in Margao. "The 2004 series held in Pakistan was much more than cricket as it showed the way for the politicians of the two countries on how to normalise relationships. "The two boards have agreed upon a four-year cycle for bilateral series, with one country hosting a series every four years. But the plan to hold more matches in offshore venues could devalue the event in future. "I do have reservations, but let's see how it goes. Though it will be terrific for the sub-continent people in the venues where the off-shore matches are being planned," he said. Mani also expressed concern about player burnout but said the issue needed to be addressed by the respective boards as well. Without naming BCCI, Mani said the ICC could not do much if a board tried to "squeeze in" more cricket to fill in the gaps in its cricketing programme." Also View In-Depth Coverage: India-Pakistan Series in Abu Dhabi 2006 Team Page: India Team Page: Pakistan

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