Jun26

ICC Approved Pakistan vs Australia 2012 Six Match T20 Series

The ICC has approved a Six-match Twenty20 series between Pakistan and Australia, which, if it goes ahead will be the longest bilateral T20 series ever staged by international sides. The decision has improved chances of the series being staged, most likely in the period between August 22 and September 10.

The PCB had deployed a four-man team, including officials from its finance and legal departments, to examine the possibility of staging a series in the UAE. It was originally keen to lock in a series of three T20s and three ODIs in August, but the extreme heat at that time of year raised serious concerns from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association.

The ICC has a rule limiting the number of matches in a bilateral T20 series to three, but countries can ask for special dispensation to hold a longer series in exceptional circumstances. The PCB’s struggle to find a suitable venue for an ODI series in August prompted the proposal for a six-match T20 series.

The six games will provide an excellent opportunity for both sides to finalise their preparations for the ICC World T20 2012, which takes place in Sri Lanka in September.