Pakistan searches for Australia ODIs venue

Pakistan are looking for a suitable venue to stage their one-day series against Australia later this year.


Afp February 25, 2012

LAHORE: Pakistan are looking for a suitable venue to stage their one-day series against Australia later this year, an official said Saturday.

Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and England since international cricket was halted in their country after attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

The terrorists attacks in Lahore, which left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured and killed eight people, suspended all international cricket in Pakistan.

Even before the attacks Pakistan had been a 'no go' zone for international teams since the 9-11 attacks on the United States which sparked security fears in and around Pakistan.

Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998, forcing them to play in Sri Lanka and Sharjah (2002) and in England in 2010.

They have five one-day matches scheduled for August this year and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad said three venues were under consideration.

"We are looking out for a suitable venue for the five one-days against Australia as it would be very hot to play in the UAE in mid-August," Ahmad told AFP.

The three available options are South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and we are looking at these venues, Ahmed said.

The PCB is also seeking the return of international cricket to their country and have invited Bangladesh to play a one-day series in April.

A Bangladesh delegation is expected to tour Pakistan to assess security before deciding on the series.

COMMENTS (11)

A.S.Ahamed Farooq | 12 years ago | Reply

It is very unfortunate that the international cricket Teams are reluctant to tour Pakistan to play cricket matches due to security fears, in spite of the guarantees offered offered by PCB to provide foolproof security to the players during their stay in Pakistan.So far only Bangladesh seems to have somewhat relented and agreed to play an ODI series there.The other top international Teams too should consider playing in Pakistan on the back of the assurance given by PCB.Such tours will not only benefit Pakistan cricket to progress but they will also help to raise the standard of cricket in the international arena through stiffer competition among the Teams.Bangladesh cricket Board need to be commended for the bold step they have taken towards this goal.

Fatah | 12 years ago | Reply

Only in Pakistan.

If Australia refuse to tour, then it is 7-0 ODI series forfeit.

End of story.

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