Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to host Pak-Australia cricket series after Eidul Fitr and is looking for suitable neutral venue for this series ahead of Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka. PCB Director International (Operations) Intikhab Alam told reporters in Lahore that Pak-Australia cricket series is likely to be held in UAE or Malaysia and he would visit the expected venue before the series.
It may be noted Pakistan is scheduled to play a series of five ODIs and three T20 matches against Australia and is still searching for a neutral venue to organise the matches. To a question Intikhab Alam said that appointment of bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team would be made prior to the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September. He said the PCB had received more applications from leading bowling coaches for appointment as bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team.
It may be recalled that Pakistan has been playing its 'home' series in UAE since 2009, but the cost of hosting matches in the Emirates has been reportedly dented the PCB finances. PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, who is currently in India in his efforts for revival of Pak-India cricket ties, has already said, "If the cost is less (in India) there's no harm in organising Pakistan's home series at some good venue there." Intikhab also said, "We want to keep our players in full stamina so that they could proceed to Sri Lanka after playing series against Australia.