PCB turns down Afghanistan Cricket's request to host an ODI series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, turned down Afghanistan Cricket’s request to host a One Day International (ODI) series between the two national teams in summer this year. The reason given by the PCB was Pakistan cricket team's busy schedule.
The Pakistan board, however, has agreed to host a one-day series featuring A team of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 and national side of Afghanistan.
"We explained to the Afghanistan officials that it was not possible for our national team to play the ODI series this year due to its international schedule and domestic season requirements," said a PCB official while talking to the media reporters.
"But we told them we are ready to help them out improve their cricket standards and structure by playing series involving the Pakistan A team," he added.
Earlier, a delegation of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128, the Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, to discuss the cricketing relations between the neighboring countries. The delegation also requested the PCB Chief to consider hosting
a one-day series.
The emerging Afghanistan team is keen to visit Pakistan for an ODI series and have ensured that they do not have any issues with the uncertain law and order situation in Pakistan.
The PCB official said that the one-day series between Afghanistan and Pakistan A team will be organized sometime in June and July this year.
PCB have been facilitating Afghanistan cricket in the past as well by allowing former Pakistan players to go and train Afghanistan players. Afghanistan players were also allowed to train at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Few Afghan players were
also permitted to play in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.
Pakistan has not hosted an international side since militant attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009, but the Chief Executive of Afghanistan Cricket Board, Mr. Naseemullah said that they have no issues playing in Pakistan.
"We will be sending our national team to Pakistan without any fear and our players are also keen to get exposure against stronger sides," said the ACB chief.
Currently, ACB is hosting its domestic tournament in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Peshawar-c832, the capital of militant-hit Pakistan province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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