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DHAKA, Mar 9: A 17-member Pakistan cricket team arrived here today to take part in the final of the first Asian Test Championship to be played at the Dhaka National Stadium on March 12-16. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, including its general secretary Syed Asharful Huq, received the Pakistan team, led by skipper Wasim Akram, at Dhaka's Zia International Airport at about 11 am.

Later, talking to newsmen at Hotel Sonargaon a confident Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said they have come here to win the first trophy of the Asian Test Championship.

He called the playing atmosphere in Dhaka ``very much homely'' and said they feel comfortable to play with a friendly crowd at the Dhaka stadium.

About the newly introduced format of the Asian Test Championship, the Pakistan skipper said the introduction of the Asian Championship is a good decision. Asked whether the Lahore Test with Sri Lanka was stage-managed, Akram said: ``As we reached the final earlier, we had given scope to the new promising players of our team to play the match. And this has given a good result.''

About their opponent, he said Sri Lanka is also a good team and they don't consider the Lankans an easy opponent. Pakistan coach Javed Miandad said they are hopeful about their victory.

He denied the allegation of a ``stage-managed game'' with Sri Lanka saying, ``we always try to play a good game and this time (in Dhaka) also we will try our best.''

About the bonus points, the Pakistan coach and former Pakistan captain supported the system saying, when a system is introduced first it faces some problems.

Talking about his chances to play for the Pakistani team again, Miandad said: ``Now I am thinking only about coaching. If it becomes necessary I will Consider (playing again).''

Another finalist and defending world champions Sri Lanka will reach the capital tomorrow morning by an Emirates flight.

Renowned all rounder Aravinda de Silva and pacer Chaminda

Vass, both of whom missed the Pakistan-Sri Lanka clash in Lahore, are expected to join the Lankan team.

Pakistan team comprising 14 players and three officials are:

Wasim Akram (captain), Saeed Anwar, Wajahatullah Wasti, Imran Nazir, Ijaz Ahmed, Yousuf Yohanna, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Shoaib Akther, Saqlain Mushtaq, Arshad Khan, Azhar Mahmood and Shahid Nazir.

Officials:

Manager - Miah Mohammad Monir
Coach - Javed Miandad
Physio - Dan Kiesal