Pakistan said Monday they will play their next two home Test series in neutral countries, as foreign teams continue to stay away over security fears, and are considering playing in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Salim Altaf said England had offered to host Tests against Australia next year while there is the option of playing a Test series against New Zealand in the UAE.
"We have the option of playing at neutral venues because we have no choice at the moment and can also play the series in New Zealand but one caveat is what happens to our television rights," said Altaf. "Sharjah has hosted four Tests for Pakistan," said Altaf, referring to a series with the West Indies and Australia in the UAE's third-largest emirate in 2002.
"If Tests have be played here, we have to discuss this, it remains an option." Altaf agreed playing at neutral venues would mean a loss of revenue. "The fact is that once you come and play abroad, there is a sharing of sponsorship with the Emirates Board, so once the bills of hotels and security come, we will judge how much we lost."
Altaf said efforts had been launched to have some cricket in Pakistan. "There has been discussion (about) what we can do about it. We have to tell the world that Pakistan is safe place to come. That can only happen if things improve, maybe we'll have a Commonwealth XI or a World XI play in Pakistan," Altaf said.
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