In what could turn out to be a significant development for Pakistan’s Test team, UAE could be replaced as their ‘adopted home’. NDTV Sports reported the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mulling over the possibility of shifting the national team’s home series to Sri Lanka.
Since the 2009 terrorist attack on touring Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at UAE. However, all that could change from the upcoming season because of insufficient revenue for the PCB.
A board official revealed, “We are discussing the matter within the board and we will also speak to other boards to study the feasibility of such a move. But, we are looking at moving our home series to Sri Lanka.”
Claiming that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had always been supportive of the idea of allowing Pakistan to use their venues, he added, “They were receptive even when there was a chance we might host India in a short last January. But, the move didn't materialize.”
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Pakistan has adopted well to the conditions in UAE in Test cricket as evidenced by their record of 13 wins and only 5 losses from 25 matches. However, the sluggish pitches have also proved to be detrimental to their limited-overs fortunes with only 22 victories from 62 matches as against 38 losses.
More pertinently, the majority of these matches have been played under minimal crowds which has turned costly for PCB. The expenses involved in hosting a series in UAE is very high owing to sponsorship deals and stadium rent.
Despite successfully hosting Zimbabwe for a short limited-overs tour in 2015, the higher ranked teams are still reluctant to visit Pakistan due to security issues. This has left PCB with no choice to host teams in other countries.
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After a not so promising attempt to make England as their home base, they shifted to UAE due to the similarity in weather and proximity to Pakistan. However, the national team players may find themselves in a situation in which they will have to quickly adjust to the Sri Lankan pitches.
The board official mentioned, “There are options, main among them Sri Lanka and there is a consensus the series against the West Indies could be moved from UAE.” Before the proposed series against the West Indies, Pakistan are scheduled to travel to England for a grueling tour comprising of 4 Tests, 5 ODIs, and a lone T20I.
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