Australia, the world’s No. 1 One Day Int'l cricket side, will play Afghanistan in August for the first time, according to Will Davies of the WALL STREET JOURNAL's blog India Real Time. Cricket Australia said that the match is being organized in the UAE ahead of a series with Pakistan "to allow the Australian team to acclimatize." The full details of the match have yet to be finalized, "but it’s likely to be a One Day International" in the UAE (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/2). REUTERS wrote that Australians view the fixture as recognition of Afghanistan's "increasing importance in world cricket." CA CEO James Sutherland said, "Everyone in world cricket have been really impressed with how cricket has flourished in Afghanistan, despite its pressing national problems" (REUTERS, 7/2).
QUESTIONS HEAT UP: In Islamabad, Bipin Dani cited sources reporting that both Pakistan and Australia have agreed in principle to play three ODIs and three Twenty20 matches in the UAE. However, the Australian Cricketers' Association has once again "expressed its reservations." ACA CEO Paul Marsh said, "The ACA continues to have concerns about the weather conditions expected in the UAE at the time of the proposed series" (PAKISTAN TODAY, 6/30).
