ECB wants to host Pakistan-Australia series

Emirates Cricket Board has on Monday offered to host the Pakistan’s home series against Australia and the offere came from none other than its CEO Dilawar Mani. The PCB is in hunt for a venue to host Australia after the Sri Lanka Cricket Board said no to Pakistan due to a timing clash with the potentially lucrative Sri Lankan Premier League, the Pakistan Cricket Board is once again finds itself in the unenviable position of looking for a venue for a home series.
Given the importance of playing T20 internationals ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September of this year, the PCB is in desperate need of venues to hold these games due to the reluctance of foreign teams to visit Pakistan.
Intikhab Alam, the director of International operations for the PCB, has repeatedly asserted the official position that the PCB is committed to holding this series ahead of the World Cup. A few other alternatives have been suggested, including Malaysia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. In addition the UAE which do seem to have a slight advantage due to their past experience in holding “home” games for Pakistan are also interested in hosting Pakistan once again, although no concrete decision has been taken on this matter – yet.
Dilawar Mani, CEO of The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) quoted by Pakpassion that an offer by the ECB to host this series had been made and was under discussion by the PCB. He also offered the rationale behind the suggestion to arrange the matches in the desert emirate.
“The proposal to hold this limited overs series has been made and is under consideration by the PCB. The actual offer is for Pakistan and Australia to play a series consisting only of T20 games. Usually there are restrictions on the maximum number of T20 games that can be played in a year but, I am sure that the ICC can make a special dispensation especially given that the Twenty20 World Cup will be held this year” stated Mani.
One of the main reasons for hesitance to play cricket in the UAE is due to the possibility of day time temperatures soaring to 50C (+122F). Mani, whilst recognizing that atmospheric conditions are harsh feels that the games can be played by changing the structure of the series.
“Instead of playing a mixture of T20s and ODIs – we are proposing that the teams play 7 Twenty20s – with each game starting at 8pm to negate the effect of the sun. Heat may be a factor but for sportsmen this should not be a problem. In my experience, it’s usually the humidity that is sapping but in a 3 hour long T20 game with one side fielding for 1 and half hours, I don’t see a big issue for fit and professional cricketers. ”
Both Pakistan and Australia have played in the UAE in the past and playing conditions in terms of pitches will not be too different from those that will be encountered in Sri Lanka during the World Cup. Mani feels that this could be an important aspect of preparation by both teams for this tournament.
“We have offered 3 venues in the UAE to the PCB to play these games – these are Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. All three are excellent venues with world class facilities. We feel that instead of playing in a country like Zimbabwe, as suggested by some media reports, where wickets will be alien to the region hosting the World Cup, both Pakistan and Australia will be well served by playing a series in the UAE and I’m hopeful that the PCB will decide in our favour.”