Pakistan set to host Afghanistan for ODI series next month

Pakistan is set to receive more dose of international cricket as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host Afghanistan next month for a three-match ODI series. They planned for the series in order to fill the long gap before the tour of England in the summers.

The PCB looks to be quite determined in reviving international cricket in st home and is also hoping to host a World XI in September, with English and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Giles Clarke expected to visit Pakistan in April in this regard.

“There is a series against Afghanistan in the pipeline, with Pakistan keen on hosting them in April,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune. “The discussions between the PCB and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have taken place. Initially, two four-day matches and three ODIs were proposed, but it might have to be limited to just three ODIs as we’ve got the Pentangular Cup scheduled as well.”

Afghanistan has previously set up a short camp in Pakistan in 2015, under former coach Kabir Khan. They stayed at the Country Club Karachi, where they played several matches against departmental teams before heading for the Inter-Continental Cup.

Afghanistan’s emergence in cricket has been phenomenal. Under the guidance of Pakistan legend Inzamam ul Haq, The team has put some highly impressive show in the on-going World T20. These performances have made many cricketing greats such as Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar to urge the International Cricket Council to not cut down on the number of teams for future World events.

Afghanistan has already agreed to tour and with matches expected to be played in Karachi’s National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the PCB has submitted a written request to the Sindh and Punjab governments for security clearances.

“We are planning to host Afghanistan,” confirmed PCB spokesperson Amjad Hussain Bhatti. “The board has already sent a request to the Sindh and Punjab governments for security clearances. We will announce the series as soon as we receive confirmation.”