Hectic 12 months in store for Pakistan

Karachi, June 20 (UNI) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a hectic home and away international schedule of Pakistan senior, Pakistan 'A' and Under-19 teams for the next twelve months.

Announcing the schedule, PCB's Director Cricket Operations Mr Zakir Khan said, ''The release of the program with almost everything firmed up, is going to stand all involved in good stead, especially the selectors and cricketers.'' ''The next home season is of exceptional importance to the Pakistan team, the Board and of course the millions of cricket fans in the country,'' he added.

Pakistan hosts South Africa for two Tests and five ODIs in October 2007, after which they play Zimbabwe in a five match ODI series in January-February 2008. Their next guests will be World Champions Australia against whom they play three Tests and five ODIs in March-April 2008. Their venture in the home turf ends with the Asia Cup in April-May 2008.

Meanwhile, in between their packed home schedule, Pakistan will travel to India to play three Tests and five ODIs. They will also feature in a Tri-Nation series in Bangladesh involving India and the hosts during May 2008.

Mr Khan hoped that the Pakistan team which is in the rebuilding phase would give a good account of itself under young skipper Shoaib Malik and thereby improve its ranking.

''Another important point to be noted is the emphasis on enhancing the bench strength by providing maximum quality exposure to 'A' and junior teams with five tours and the junior World Cup early next year,'' he said.

''The focus is on the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in February-March 2008,'' he added.

Pakistan who is the reigning under-19 World Cup Champions would be out on a mission to defend their title for the third time in Malaysia.

Apart from the World Cup, Pakistan under-19 team is also slated to tour England, while the 'A' team would host their Australian counterparts.

UNI