Pak to play more ‘home’ series at neutral venues ‘until security situation is clear’: Subhan

KARACHI - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced it would be playing more ‘home’ series at neutral venues, as most nations refuse to play in Pakistan due to security concerns.

“There is nothing we can do as far as the security situation is concerned. We keep on our process of convincing teams to come and play in Pakistan but until the security situation is clear we just have to rely on neutral venues,” the Daily Times quoted PCB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, as saying.

The PCB said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed a full series of three Tests, five one-day internationals and a T20 match against Pakistan in early 2012, but the series would most probably be played in the United Arab Emirates.

“The ECB has confirmed the number of matches for January-February 2012 and venues are being finalized. The series is part of the ICC future tours programme,” Subhan said.

Sri Lanka were also due to play a “home” series in Pakistan in October-November next year, but that series could also be held at a neutral venue or even in Sri Lanka, said the PCB official, adding that Zimbabwe was, however, willing to tour Pakistan.

“We ourselves are not in a position to host Zimbabwe for a one-day series soon although they have agreed to come to Pakistan. Simply because our team is busy until June next year and we don’t have any cricket in July and August and then we’ll play against Sri Lanka,” he explained.

Subhan said Pakistan had a tight schedule for matches against India. “Even if we manage to play against India the series which was cancelled in early 2009 after the Mumbai incident, the matches would be split in different time frames,” he added.

He said Pakistan needed to change the perception of its security capabilities by hosting junior matches before seeking to again stage senior international matches.

“We have to start with junior tours to change perception about security (in Pakistan).” “It will give confidence to other boards and then full-fledged tours can begin,” said Subhan. (ANI)