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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to play its home series against Sri Lanka and England in the UAE.
Sources told Dawn that all the Tests, One-day Internationals and T20 matches of both the series will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had shown the consent to travel to Pakistan for the series but after the attack on the naval base in Karachi they were forced to reconsider their decision. Their refusal forced the PCB to think about neutral venues.
“Now Sri Lanka will play three Tests, five ODIs and one T20 in the UAE and similarly, England will also come to the UAE to play three Tests and five ODIs. The number of T20 matches against England is yet to be finalised. It may be one or two,” sources said.
“The decision to host the two teams in the UAE was taken after Dubai and Abu Dhabi cricket authorities offered us some good packages, making the series profitable,” the sources said.
Sri Lanka is due to play the series in October-November this year while the Englishmen are to face Pakistan in January-February next year.
“We had the offer from both Sri Lanka and England to play the home series in their countries, but the PCB preferred the UAE as it will help us taking home advantage by preparing favourable wickets.
“Furthermore, the PCB also estimates a big profit in the UAE,” the sources said.
The agreements with the two countries clearly indicate that the international cricket cannot return to Pakistan in near future.
