UAE seeks hosting Pakistan home matches

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UAE seeks hosting Pakistan home matches​

October 28th, 2010 by Osama Tariq

ABU DHABI: The deserts of Gulf once again look all set to relive the glory of Sharjah as the cricket grounds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are becoming hub of international cricket.

With Pakistan being homeless for almost one and a half years, countries like Malaysia and United Arab Emirates are expressing their keen interest to host Pakistan home matches.

Pakistan cricket team is touring Abu Dhabi these days where they are hosting South Africa for two Twenty20 Internationals, five One Day Internationals and three Test matches.

After watching a huge fan-base of Pakistani cricketers enjoying their local heroes performing in the Abu Dhabi stadium in the two T20Is, Dilawar Mani, Chief Executive of Emirates Cricket Board told The Sports Encounter scribe here Thursday that they want to cash in on the opportunity to host as many matches of Pakistan as possible.

He stated that more international cricket in the UAE would help the local cricket board to polish the local talent besides providing them with the chance to see their heroes live on the cricket field.

Pakistan have been playing their home series in the UAE after a terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers closed doors of international cricket in the country last year. Pakistan have already faced Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, and England and now taking on South Africa in the UAE.

Mani said that the Emirate Cricket Board has offered the Pakistan Cricket Board to host their series against Sri Lanka next year and following one against England.

Defending the approach, Mani said that the aim of the offer is to help Pakistan get their maximum share of international cricket matches so that their cricket doesn’t lose direction, but in the course the game can prosper in the Gulf as well.

The Sports Encounter – It's all about Sports UAE seeks hosting Pakistan home matches