PCB confirms ODI series against Australia in UAE

Karachi:

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday announced the five-match one-day series programme against Australia to be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from April 24 to May 7.

"We have decided to play the five-match one-day series against Australia in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from April 24 to May 7," PCB chairman Ejaz Butt told reporters.

"The first two matches will be played in Dubai, while the remaining three will be played in Abu Dhabi. The teams will then return to Dubai again for the Twenty20 international," he added.

Last year in March, Australia had postponed their tour of Pakistan for a full Test and One-day series citing security reasons, leaving Pakistan with no option but to arrange the rescheduled series at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates.

The one-day series against the West Indies was also played at Abu Dhabi in November last year.

The PCB have also kept its option open regarding hoisting the Test series against Australia in a neutral venue, in case the world Champions refuses to tour Pakistan for the Test.

"If Australia do not play the Tests in Pakistan there is a possibility of playing the Test series in England," Butt said.

Butt said although Cricket Australia was willing to tour the country, the Australian government refused to provide them clearance in the wake of Pakistan army's involvement in the war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"Cricket Australia was willing to play in Pakistan but their government has refused them clearance in fear that their players may become a target because their army is among the allied forces in Afghanistan," Butt said.

Pakistan went through 2008 without playing a Test match as teams refused to tour the country, citing security fears and recently the International Cricket Council has also decided to relocate the eight-nation Champions Trophy, to be held in September-October this year, citing lingering security issues.