Malaysia to become Pakistan’s new adopted home?

As per latest reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to make Malaysia their adopted home for future home series after they refused to a long-term agreement demanded by the United Arab Emirates authorities. This major development was revealed by PCB chief Najam Sethi himself, in a chat with Yahya Hussaini at the Geo News programme ‘Score’. The Emirates cricket authorities were asking the PCB for a long-term deal which, as per Sethi, was not possible for his board.

Rationale behind a new home turf

In the exclusive interview, Sethi confirmed that he is travelling to Malaysia next month to find out about their cricketing culture and the availability of stadiums in the country. Pakistan has been playing in UAE since the time international cricket came to a halt in the country following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket bus outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which left several from the visiting team injured.

The first two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) were also played in the UAE, with the third season set to be played there as well. Sethi explained that sharing the UAE as a home ground with Afghanistan will mean Pakistan will face certain problems (like clashing of schedules) which is why they want a backup venue. He also explained that the expenses incurred on the series in Malaysia are half that of UAE.

“I am going to Malaysia to see their grounds. If the needed arrangements are agreed upon, having Malaysia [as our home venue] would cut our costs in half,” Sethi told the local TV media. When asked about the dues PSL franchises owe PCB, he said, “All the franchises have paid their dues but one or two are yet to pay the remaining half of the fees to their players.”

Revival of international cricket in Pakistan

International cricket was revived in Pakistan when a world XI team toured the cricket-starved country late last year in what was a successful, tension free event. With security in the country improving and international teams willing to travel to Pakistan, the PCB recently declared their interest in hosting the next edition of the Champions Trophy in 2021 in their own backyard.