UAE wants to host ‘highly anticipated’ Indo-Pak cricket series

Monday, 28 November 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dubai, Nov 26 (ANI): The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed a desire to host a highly anticipated series between India and Pakistan, if it was to be held at a neutral venue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf will be visiting India early next month to hold discussions on the issue. International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat also hoped for a bilateral series in the UAE, The Express Tribune reports.

Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series since 2007.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a second home for Pakistan amid drought of international cricket and expressed hope to host the possible series.

“We will love to host the series. We’ve hosted memorable matches between the two countries. We’ve improved our stadiums as per the required standards and are confident that we can hold the series in a befitting manner,” ECB Chief Executive Officer Dilawar Mani said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, seemed reluctant to play in the UAE, with Mani citing financial reasons behind it.

“There are no other reasons behind the reluctance other than financial gain. They prefer playing series at home because of that,” he added.