Hosting Zim not profitable: PCB official

Sport
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials say they decided against hosting Zimbabwe in a bilateral series later this year due to the unprofitable nature of the squad

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials say they decided against hosting Zimbabwe in a bilateral series later this year due to the unprofitable nature of the squad according to the new rules of International Cricket Council, where revenue generation would depend on the opponents.

According to the future tour programme Pakistan were supposed to host Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but the subcontinent country decided not to commit to the tour. “The idea of hosting Zimbabwe for Tests isn’t feasible because we won’t be able to generate much revenue,” a senior PCB official said.

“There is no truth in the reports that cite lack of funds as the reason. We’ve always had good relations with Zimbabwe and have played with them quite often in the last decade.

“We would have gladly hosted Zimbabwe in Pakistan, but playing with them in the UAE won’t be cost-effective.”

Apart from the finances, Pakistan’s series with New Zealand in the UAE that will be played in November-December are, another reason for dropping the Zimbabwe series.

Before that, Pakistan will be up against Sri Lanka in August, while they will take on Australia in October.

“We have a very tight schedule this year, which makes it very difficult to slot another Test series at the end of the year,” the official concluded.

— The Express Tribune