Australia to play One-Day series against Pakistan in UAE

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket authorities were forced to schedule all five One-Day Internationals against Australia in the United Arab Emirates after the Aussies refused to visit the Asian country over security fears.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had invited Australia to play two of the five ODIs in Pakistan to further their attempts to revive international cricket at home, suspended since attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

Since then Pakistan have hosted finals of Pakistan Super League for the last two years and played matches against a World XI, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

A West Indies women’s team played three Twenty20 internationals in Karachi from January 31-February 3 this year.

But Cricket Australia (CA) acted on their government’s advise not to tour Pakistan where no Australian senior team has played since 1998 over security fears.

PCB director Zakir Khan showed disappointment over Australia’s refusal.

“The PCB was optimistic that it will be able to convince Australia to send its side for some matches after successfully staging high-profile bilateral international series,” said Zakir.

“But we are disappointed for the enthusiastic and passionate cricket fans in Pakistan who will now have to wait for some more time before they can see Australia playing in our country.”

The five-match series will kick off both team’s preparation for the World Cup.

Sharjah will host the first two matches on March 22 and 24 followed by matches in Abu Dhabi (March 27) and Dubai (March 29 and 31).

Itinerary: March 22: 1st ODI, Sharjah (d/n); March 24: 2nd ODI, Sharjah (d/n); March 27: 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi (d/n); March 29: 4th ODI, Dubai (d/n); March 31: 5th ODI, Dubai (d/n).