PCB not to host any home series 'any time soon'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has admitted that they will not be hosting any home series any time soon, adding that their next two cricket series will be held at neutral venues.

This comes following the killing of 10 foreign climbers by gunmen in the Himalayas, in the worst attack on foreigners for a decade and an incident that has further inflamed Pakistan's reputation for insecurity.

PCB has invited bids to host South Africa and Sri Lanka in two series from October-January, now confirmed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Express Tribune reports.

However, the report added, officials had been reluctant to announce the series, instead hoping that they could convince visiting teams to tour Pakistan, a country hard hit by Taliban and al Qaeda-linked violence.

According to the report, Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests, five one-day and three Twenty20 internationals against South Africa in October-November before returning to play three Tests, five one-day and two T20s against Sri Lanka in December-January.

The report further said that Pakistan, which has been forced to play at neutral venues since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in March 2009, suspending international cricket in the country, was already a 'no go' area for many international teams even before those attacks as security fears grew after the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

Australia has not toured Pakistan since 1998, citing serious threats to their players, the report added.