Pakistan "will continue to use the UAE as a home for its cricket commitments, having all but sealed the deal for two series later this year against South Africa and Sri Lanka," according to Osman Samiuddin of THE NATIONAL. Fans "can expect up to 19 international games across the three formats from October onwards." Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board "were in the UAE recently to discuss details with the Emirates Cricket Board." Talks "covered a proposed itinerary as well as budgets and they left with an informal understanding that the games will be played here." Pakistan has been forced to play its cricket abroad since March '09, "after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore" as it was on its way to Gaddafi Stadium for a Test (THE NATIONAL, 6/24). PAKISTAN TODAY reported Pakistan plays two Tests, five one-day and three Twenty20 internationals against South Africa in October-November before returning to play three Tests, five one-day and two T20s against Sri Lanka in December-January. The PCB on Monday "took out an advertisement in a local newspaper, inviting bids to sponsor two series" (PAKISTAN TODAY, 6/24).
