Abu Dhabi: Pakistan’s ‘home’ series against Australia is all set to be played here in the UAE from August 28 and is likely to comprise three One Day Internationals and three Twenty 20 matches.
Dilawar Mani, the outgoing CEO of Emirates Cricket Board, said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board will be making a formal announcement either today or tomorrow. When PCB makes the announcement we will have a confirmation of the venues too.”
Well-placed sources in Pakistan told Gulf News that the schedule has been accepted by Cricket Australia despite initial concerns over their cricketers playing in tough summer conditions.
According to the tentative itinerary, the two teams will play three ODIs on August 28, August 31 and September 2 respectively. The three T20s are likely to be played on September 5, 7 and 9.
“We have received an informal nod that the UAE will be the venue [Malaysia was the other option]. The PCB will formally announce the series with the confirmed dates in a day or two,” Mani said.
“As far as Abu Dhabi goes there will be one ODI played in Abu Dhabi and two in Sharjah if PCB and CA confirm three ODIs. All three T20s would then be played in Dubai.”
Although the ICC had given permission for a six Twenty20 International-match series, the broadcasters have apparently stepped in and insisted on ODIs.
Meanwhile, Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) chief Paul Marsh has not ruled out a pre-tour visit to test the weather conditions.
“The ACA continues to have concerns about the weather conditions expected in the UAE at the time of the proposed series,” Paul Marsh, the CEO of the ACA, was reported to have told the Pakpassion.net website from Melbourne.
“Now that the PCB and CA have agreed to a schedule of matches, we will undertake a process to assess whether or not these conditions in UAE will provide a safe environment for the players to play cricket in. This will be inclusive of consultation with various experts and a pre-tour visit to the venues.”
