Reuters

Karachi, Feb 26: Pakistan and Bangladesh have announced cash bonuses to spur their cricket teams on in next month’s World Cup in the West Indies.

Pakistan can scoop up around US$1.2 mil in bonus cash if they win the World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said each player in the 15-member squad would be paid a bonus of 5 mil rupees (US$84,000) if they won the March 13-April 28 tournament.

“This is a move to provide some incentives for the players. Even if they make the semi-finals they will get 2.5mil rupees (US$42,000) each,” director of cricket operations Saleem Altaf said.

There is also a cash bonus of US$20,000 for each player for making the semi-finals.

As for Bangladesh, their cricket team will receive bonuses for winning matches.

“To spur the Bangladesh Cricket Team on in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, the Board announced incentive bonuses for the players,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said. “Accordingly, each player will receive an additional US$2000 (on top of the usual win bonus) per match for winning a Group Stage game.

“If the team qualify for the Super Eight stage then each player will receive an additional US$3000 (on top of the usual win bonus) for winning a game.”