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NewsDay

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New twist to Pakistan tour

Sport
THE Zimbabwe cricket team’s scheduled tour of Pakistan next month could result in a reciprocal tour by the subcontinent nation in August

THE Zimbabwe cricket team’s scheduled tour of Pakistan next month could result in a reciprocal tour by the subcontinent nation in August as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) pulls all the stops to ensure a busy international calender for the Dav Whatmore-coached side.

BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

ZC managing director Alistair Campbell said while they had already signed and sealed deals for two inbound tours from India and New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland were also being mooted to fill the gaps in their schedule.

“At the moment I can confirm that India and New Zealand are coming as part of the Future Tour Programme bilaterally signed by the respective boards. What is just left is to agree the exact dates of the matches but India will be coming during the first half of July while the New Zealand tour will take place between July 28 and August 10.

“We are in discussions with Pakistan for a potential reciprocal tour possibly in August or September to fill the gap in our schedule before touring Bangladesh possibly in November and December. We are also talking to Ireland but I cannot confirm anything yet as discussions are still ongoing,” said Campbell.

Zimbabwe looks set to become the first Test playing nation to tour Pakistan in six years with a local security team set to visit the subcontinent nation to assess the situation before the final itinerary is announced.

Pakistan has been forced to play designated “home” matches in the United Arab Emirates since March 2009 following an attack by militants on a Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore.

Meanwhile, according to reports from Pakistan the planned home series against Zimbabwe next month could turn out to be a one-venue affair.

A Pakistan publication, The News, yesterday reported that ZC have been reluctant about playing in Karachi and want all five games of the series to take place in Lahore.

“The Board wants the series to be played at two venues because it wants to send out a clear message to the rest of the cricketing world that Pakistani venues are safe for international matches,” Pakistan Cricket Board source told The News.

“That’s why it wants the series to be played in two cities instead of just in Lahore,” he added.