LAHORE: Ahead of the World Cup later this year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has mooted an idea for a bilateral ODI and tri-nation series, JEE News reported on Monday citing sources.
According to sources, the cricket governing body has started contacts with Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh and South Africa and invited them to come to Pakistan in August and play bilateral or tri-national series.
In an email sent to all four cricket boards, the PCB said the series would be an opportunity for the visiting teams to acclimatize to conditions in the subcontinent ahead of the World Cup.
The PCB wants its players to play three or five ODIs before the World Cup.
Bradburn sets sights on World Cup, WTC finalÂ
Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Grant Bradburn has said that his aim is for the team to become the top-ranked side in all formats, win the World Cup this year, and compete in the finals of the next World Test Championship (WTC).
While interacting with the media at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he emphasized the need for improvement in every area and stressed the importance of playing more matches to achieve the goals. He acknowledged that the task of arranging more matches was on the PCB, and expressed confidence in their efforts to do so.
The ongoing special camp in NCA was also a topic of discussion. He termed it as the best opportunity for the players to hone their skills. The camp focuses on spinners, and Bradburn highlighted the importance of nurturing talented spinners and giving batsmen the chance to face them.
Asked about Abid Ali’s participation in the camp, Bradburn hailed him as a good cricketer with a Test average. He said that Abid is looking fit and expressed confidence in his possible comeback.
Asked about leg-spinner Yasir Shah, Bradburn said he is still part of their plans and could make a comeback.
Younis wants PCB, BCCI to talk
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has weighed in on the ongoing impasse surrounding the 2023 Asia Cup venue, stressing the need for dialogue to resolve the issue.
Speaking at an MoU signing ceremony here, Younis highlighted the significance of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and advised the officials of the two countries to hold meaningful talks.
Younis said that India-Pak matches are not only highly anticipated but also beneficial for cricket as a whole.
He said that when these two teams face each other, the entertainment value of cricket increases a lot and it is in everyone’s interest to ensure that such matches are held.
Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted by Pakistan. However, due to political reasons, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.
