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Probably for the first time in the history of Pakistan cricket there will be no Friday prayers break. According to the playing conditions of the two-Test series, the first session will be run from 10:00am to 12:30pm then from 1:30pm to 3:00pm with the final session between 3:20pm to 5:20pm.

But in the current playing hours, there is no provision for Friday prayers break as the sermon will begin in majority of the mosques around 2:15pm and 2:30pm.

The confusion has been created after clocks were advanced by one hour from first Saturday of April in an effort to save light. But the visionless Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) failed to realize the situation it was likely to meet when the series was finalized and satellite timings by the broadcasters were booked.

The PCB tried to defend its folly saying the series was finalized at the last minute which left them to little chance to negotiate the airing of the matches with its broadcasters TransWorld International (TWI).

In other words, the PCB bowed to the demands of TWI who had already booked air time as soon as New Zealand's itinerary was finalized and released.

Ironically, the PCB had earlier announced that the day/night one-day matches would start at 2:30pm. But later said the games had been advanced by an hour to accommodate the broadcasters who had booked the air time from 3:30pm.

The PCB may face a similar situation in October when Australia will tour for three Tests. Clocks will be tickled an hour behind on the first Saturday of October which will lead to further confusion and possible clash with the broadcasters.

© Dawn