England to play 3 Tests, 4 ODIs against Pakistan

Three Twenty20s also part of UAE series next year.

LAHORE:

Following an earlier announcement of Pakistan playing their ‘home’ series in the UAE, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed to contest three Tests, four One-Day Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 matches during January and February next year.

England’s winter itinerary was not finalised when the announcement was made with Giles Clarke, ECB chairman, reportedly saying that UAE and Sri Lanka are being considered as possible venues for the country’s forthcoming ODI and Test series against Pakistan. However, the decision was made after agreement between both boards with the tour comprising three Twenty20s as part of preparations ahead of the World Twenty20 next year.

Sharjah remains idle

Meanwhile, it has also been learnt that Sharjah is keen to stage international matches once again between Full Member nations. The officials are eyeing Pakistan as they play six Tests, nine ODIs and five Twenty20s during their series against Sri Lanka and England.

However, The Express Tribune understands that the venue, where Pakistan have played 108 ODIs, is not fit to host an international fixture as it needs significant renovation. While the Sharjah Cricket Council is ready to renovate the venue, it is also seeking a guarantee that matches be finalised there before it undergoes changes.

The venue, once a popular place for the subcontinent teams as well, was isolated after scandals of match-fixing began to emerge and while they were never proved, countries have stayed away from Sharjah. It was, however, named as Afghanistan’s ‘home’ ground last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2011.