Pakistan had hosted Australia in 2003 for two Test matches in Dubai, but it could not earn much profit then.—AP/File

LAHORE The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally signed the MoU with Cricket Australia (CA) for the forthcoming ODI series between the two countries, scheduled to be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from April 22 to May 7.

A PCB spokesman also announced the official itinerary of the series soon after signing of the MoU on Wednesday. Since Cricket Australia (CA) had reservations about their security in Pakistan, the series has been shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

According to the itinerary, the series will start with the first ODI at DSC Stadium, Dubai on April 22. The second ODI will also be held at the same venue on April 24. To play the remaining three ODI matches, the two teams will travel to Abu Dhabi to meet on April 27, May 1 and May 3. All ODI matches are day and night fixtures.

For the lone Twenty20 match, both the teams will again come back to Dubai to play it on May 7.

It is learnt that Pakistan will pay 30 per cent of the title and co title sponsorship amount to the organisers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, who will also have 50-50 share in the sale of tickets.

Though the PCB is not eyeing a great profit from the series, which it could earn while hosting it at home, sources said a sufficient amount would be generated in dividends. 

Pakistan had hosted Australia in 2003 for two Test matches in Dubai, but it could not earn much profit there. But now the series has shorter version matches, it has much more interest for the spectators and the sponsors.

The PCB is likely to earn 0.7 million dollars from title and co title sponsorship. Besides the gate money, TV rights could generate around one million dollars in addition for the PCB. 

The PCB is also spending a huge amount of money on making strict security arrangements for the series.