Pak search for venue for Australia ODIs

Lahore: Pakistan are looking for a suitable venue to stage their one-day series against Australia later this year, an official said on Saturday.

Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and England since international cricket was halted in their country after attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

The terror attacks in Lahore, which left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured and killed eight people, suspended all international cricket in Pakistan.

Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998, forcing them to play in Sri Lanka and Sharjah (2002) and in England in 2010.

Even before the attacks Pakistan had been a 'no go' zone for international teams since the 9-11 attacks on the United States which sparked security fears in and around Pakistan.

Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998, forcing them to play in Sri Lanka and Sharjah (2002) and in England in 2010.

They have five one-day matches scheduled for August this year and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad said three venues were under consideration.

"We are looking out for a suitable venue for the five one-days against Australia as it would be very hot to play in the UAE in mid-August," said Ahmad.

The three available options are South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and we are looking at these venues, Ahmed said.

The PCB is also seeking the return of international cricket to their country and have invited Bangladesh to play a one-day series in April.

A Bangladesh delegation is expected to tour Pakistan to assess security before deciding on the series.

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