February 07, 2007	Wednesday	Muharram 18, 1428

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LAHORE, Feb 6: World champions Australia will tour Pakistan from March 9, 2008, after which Pakistan will host the Proteas from Sept 25, 2008 said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director Cricket Operations Saleem Altaf on Tuesday.

The director said the dates of the tour had been finalised during a recent meeting of the ICC held in Singapore.

He said the Australian tour to Pakistan had been delayed slightly for one week, because the world champions had decided play a home series against India in Feb-March 2008.

He explained that the delay in Australia’s arrival would also affect the next Asia Cup which will probably start in April 24 or 25.

Saleem added that South Africa would start its tour as per programme from Sept 25, soon after hosting the first Twenty-20 Cup in September.

He said Pakistan would also be hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2008.

To a question regarding renovation of Gaddafi Stadium, Saleem pointed out that upgradation work at the venue would start soon in preparation of the hectic season 2008 at home.

However, upgradation of the National Stadium, Karachi had been deferred for an indefinite period.

He said the PCB was also getting the control of the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi Stadium soon and it would also upgrade those two stadia.