UAE hails historic move of Tests to Sharjah

The Emirates Cricket Board today hailed as "historic" the decision to shift Pakistan's home cricket series against the West Indies to the maiden Gulf venue of Sharjah.

"It's a historic decision and an honour for us to host such an event," said ECB administrator Mazhar Khan.

The series between Pakistan and West Indies, which has been cut to two Tests and three one-day internationals, will be only the third to be played at a neutral venue in Test cricket's 126-year history.

"It is a wonderful achievement for all those involved in cricket in the United Arab Emirates, and after years of experience hosting a record 181 one-day internationals, I am confident we can meet the challenge," Khan said.

The West Indies team is due to arrive on January 25 in Sharjah, a conservative sheikhdom where alcohol and revealing clothing are banned but which is home to a large expatriate Pakistani community.

Waqar Younis' Pakistan is expected a day or two later and the first Test has been slated to start January 31, according to Khan.

The series was shifted after the West Indies declined to play in Pakistan because of security concerns over border tensions between India and Pakistan.

Cricket in the UAE, an ICC associate member that has hosted more one-day internationals than any other venue, is based around Sharjah, which has a 28,000-seater stadium and plays host to a yearly tri-series competition.

Windies last toured Pakistan in 1997 losing 0-3.

Mail Cricket Editor