Smash'n'Grab: Pakistan's route to the World Test Final

[Junaids]

The first ever World Test Championship is about to start. Hardly anyone has got their head around the format yet, but I have, and I can tell you that many of Pakistan's supposed drawbacks - such as 2 Test series and not playing against India - actually provide them with a clear route to the Final.

1. Short series let teams like Pakistan over-perform
Consider India and Pakistan's 2018 tours of England.

India had a superior team and they played in more friendly conditions - the dry late summer months.

India started playing red ball cricket in England far too late and lost 4-1.

Pakistan arrived early and practised in public parks and in a Test in Ireland and went 1-0 up against an under-prepared England, and drew the series 1-1.

2. Do well in a short series and be richly rewarded
Under the new format, it doesn't matter if a series contains 2 Test or 5 Tests, there are a maximum of 120 points to win.

Pakistan's 1-1 draw in England in 2018 would have seen the points shared 60-60 between England and Pakistan.

But India's 4-1 loss would have seen England take 96 points and India take 24.

Similarly, India's 2-1 win in Australia last southern summer meant that they would have taken 75 points and Australia would have taken 40 points.

But if Pakistan can win the pink ball lottery in Adelaide (by winning the toss and scoring 200 before bowling out Australia in the twilight), they would get a minimum of 60 points from their 2 match series even if they lose the Brisbane Test.

Again, Pakistan would earn almost as many points as India in Australia simply by drawing 1-1, even though India controlled their series.

In effect, Pakistan's shorter series mean that they can amass a lot of points by winning the odd game in their short away series.

3. So how do you do well in a short series?
We've heard it all before. Pakistan turn up far too late everywhere except England, do okay against puny, understrength home teams in the warm-up match, then lose heavily.

Look at 2018. Pakistan arrived early in England, prepared properly and drew 1-1.

But they arrived far too late in South Africa and lost 3-0 to an inferior team.

Pakistan have only 3 away series in the 2019-2021 World Test Championship.

2 Tests in Australia in late November 2019, five weeks after they host Sri Lanka.

3 Tests in England in July 2020 - the fourth consecutive year they tour England.

2 Tests in New Zealand in December 2020.

That's all. No tour of South Africa.

4. Play tour matches against your own reserves
They need to get there earlier than usual, and they need to play decent opposition.

And "decent opposition" is the easy part. Australia has given up on being given decent opposition in England before the Ashes next month.

So in addition to their 17 man squad, they have taken 9 extra players for the two weeks before the First Test, and they are playing each other in England - Australia Probables versus Australia Possibles.

Pakistan could and should do exactly the same thing before the 2 Tests in Australia in November.

Imam / Shan Masood / Haris Sohail / Babar Azam / Umar Akmal / Mohammad Rizwan / Faheem Ashraf / Shadab Khan / Mohammad Amir / Shaheen Shah Afridi / Mohammad Abbas

versus

Fakhar Zaman / Azhar Ali / Asad Shafiq / Usman Salahuddin / Imad Wasim / Sarfraz Ahmed / Hasan Ali / Yasir Shah / Wahab Riaz / Mohammad Hasnain / Ehsan Adil.

In South Africa at the start of this year the touring Pakistanis learned far too late that neither Fakhar Zaman nor the veteran version of Azhar Ali is technically able to play short-pitched bowling.

If they had arrived early enough and practised against decent opposition that wouldn't have happened.

5. Don't let players age together
From now on, all Test series are part of one World Test Championship or the next. We saw that when Younis and Misbah retired together, even a puny Sri Lankan team won in the UAE against too many batsmen whose place in the team was not yet secure.

We have already seen that the veteran versions of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq average a dozen runs per innings less than they used to.

It would be suicide to have two such declining players in the middle order, and then see them vanish together and leave two unestablished players in the Top Six of the batting.

The new format really means that veteran players have to be retired at staggered intervals to avoid periods of destabilisation.

Pakistan currently has half its team on the wrong side of the age of 30: Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed are all in clear age-related decline while Yasir Shah is a proven failure outside Asia and Wahab Riaz is already inferior to Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan needs to pick one of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq and retire the other and it really needs to keep Yasir Shah as an Asia-only specialist. It also needs to let Mohammad Rizwan replace Sarfraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi replace Wahab Riaz.

6. Don't host Asian teams in Asia
What is the point of playing against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the UAE or even Pakistan? Their strength is spin bowling and batting against spin.

Surely those series are best played in conditions which would favour Pakistan's pace bowling. I'd be playing them in South Africa or New Zealand at small grounds and with a Dukes ball. That would serve two purposes: take the opposition out of their comfort zone and also prepare the Pakistan batsmen and bowlers for difficult conditions when they tour England, New Zealand and Australia.

7. Make the most of who you don't play
Every team doesn't play two other teams in the Top Nine.

Australia miss out on easy series against Sri Lanka and the West Indies and have a tough looking draw.

South Africa miss series against Bangladesh and New Zealand that they would expect to win.

England miss out on Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Meanwhile Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the two teams with the kindest draw. Sri Lanka avoid series against India and Australia, while Pakistan miss out on India - who they would almost certainly have lost to - and the West Indies whom they have somehow lost 2 recent Tests against.

All in all, Pakistan has a clear route to the Final if they just follow several simple steps:

1. Host Bangladesh and Sri Lanka somewhere unfriendly to spin bowling.

2. Arrive early for their tours of England, Australia and New Zealand.

3. Take their own reserves on those tours, and play against them instead of weak local teams.

4. Host South Africa in spin-friendly conditions.

5. Understand that draws earn very few points, so the UAE is a very questionable place to host any cricket.

If Pakistan can do that, there is a clear route to the Final.

 

[Markhor]

Comprehensive plan from Junaids, preparation being the key point. I'll add a few notes.

Pakistan have only 3 away series in the 2019-2021 World Test Championship.

2 Tests in Australia in late November 2019, five weeks after they host Sri Lanka.

3 Tests in England in July 2020 - the fourth consecutive year they tour England.

2 Tests in New Zealand in December 2020.

That's all. No tour of South Africa.

Every team plays three home and three away series. Our away fixtures are harder than anyone's.

If PCB can arrange for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to tour Pakistan, then we can produce more seam friendly wickets than what we could in UAE.

New Zealand for me are dead on to return to Lord's in 2021. They have Sri Lanka, Australia and Bangladesh away, and India, Pakistan and West Indies at home.

 

[Junaids]

Comprehensive plan from Junaids, preparation being the key point. I'll add a few notes.

Every team plays three home and three away series. Our away fixtures are harder than anyone's.

If PCB can arrange for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to tour Pakistan, then we can produce more seam friendly wickets than what we could in UAE.

New Zealand for me are dead on to return to Lord's in 2021. They have Sri Lanka, Australia and Bangladesh away, and India, Pakistan and West Indies at home.

Pakistan usually do well in England and New Zealand, that’s a fairly nice “outside Asia” draw.

I think New Zealand may well surprise you: apart from Williamson the only international class batsman is Ross Taylor, who is into the last few months of his career. I don’t see NZ scoring enough runs.

 

[Boi]

Send it to Wasim Khan.

 

[Mueez]

POTW [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

 

[barah_admi]

I dunno about this tbh.

Even putting aside the test championship, when did Pakistan turn into a 2 test team? They were playing 4 tests in England, in front of sold out crowds just 2 seasons ago, they were outselling India in day/night test in Australia soon after that.

What is the PCB doing?

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Only chance of seeing a pak ind test match if they both reach the finals.

 

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan need to have a solid top 5 batsmen for test matches. That is the key .

If you have enough runs on board , you can give bowlers chance to apply pressure on the opposition.

 

[hadi123]

Good post apart from the idea of hosting Asian teams outside of Asia. It's not that simple

 

[Surya Kiran]

This world test championship is an interesting format and will take some time for cricket boards to plan for the future in this regard

 

[Junaids]

Good post apart from the idea of hosting Asian teams outside of Asia. It's not that simple

It sort of is!

Pakistan cannot compel anyone to play in Pakistan.

But basically for their home Tests in the World Test Championship, they can arrange them anywhere provided that they pay for the opposition's flights, hotels and costs and ensure TV coverage.

We have seen before that Pakistan has played its "Home" Tests in:

England
Sri Lanka
New Zealand
UAE

I would think that England and New Zealand are ideal for hosting Asian teams EXCEPT for their relatively short summers for hosting cricket.

South Africa is genuinely ideal because costs are vastly lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, at least 75% lower per player per day in hotel and catering costs.

Pakistan hosts 2 World Test Championship Tests against Sri Lanka in October and then plays the First Test at Brisbane in Australia in mid-November.

October is too chilly to host Sri Lanka in New Zealand, but it would be perfect at small centres in South Africa like Mickey Arthur's home town of East London or in Kimberley. It would be cheap, but it would also be perfect preparation for the series in Australia a fortnight later, in identical conditions.

And more to the point, because Sri Lanka beat South Africa away in February, they would probably agree to play there!

And let's be frank: Sri Lanka is far more likely to beat Pakistan in spinning Asian conditions than it is in seaming conditions. They got lucky in South Africa a few months ago, but in spinning conditions we have already seen them defeat Pakistan in the UAE.

 

[docteurmanish]

Bhai

How about

- bowling well
- holding catches
- putting a value on wicket
- pray to win imp tosses
- let’s not look how other teams are doing on points table


Your whole post sounds like how to get into semifinals if ind defeat England or if all matches are in draw .

Most good teams in tests ( eng ind aus and nz) are concentrating on one series at a time !

 

[Junaids]

Bhai

How about

- bowling well
- holding catches
- putting a value on wicket
- pray to win imp tosses
- let’s not look how other teams are doing on points table


Your whole post sounds like how to get into semifinals if ind defeat England or if all matches are in draw .

Most good teams in tests ( eng ind aus and nz) are concentrating on one series at a time !

With respect, I don’t think those are the basics.

The basics are don’t host Asian teams on Asian wickets and arrive early for short overseas series!

 

[hadi123]

It sort of is!

Pakistan cannot compel anyone to play in Pakistan.

But basically for their home Tests in the World Test Championship, they can arrange them anywhere provided that they pay for the opposition's flights, hotels and costs and ensure TV coverage.

We have seen before that Pakistan has played its "Home" Tests in:

England
Sri Lanka
New Zealand
UAE

I would think that England and New Zealand are ideal for hosting Asian teams EXCEPT for their relatively short summers for hosting cricket.

South Africa is genuinely ideal because costs are vastly lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, at least 75% lower per player per day in hotel and catering costs.

Pakistan hosts 2 World Test Championship Tests against Sri Lanka in October and then plays the First Test at Brisbane in Australia in mid-November.

October is too chilly to host Sri Lanka in New Zealand, but it would be perfect at small centres in South Africa like Mickey Arthur's home town of East London or in Kimberley. It would be cheap, but it would also be perfect preparation for the series in Australia a fortnight later, in identical conditions.

And more to the point, because Sri Lanka beat South Africa away in February, they would probably agree to play there!

And let's be frank: Sri Lanka is far more likely to beat Pakistan in spinning Asian conditions than it is in seaming conditions. They got lucky in South Africa a few months ago, but in spinning conditions we have already seen them defeat Pakistan in the UAE.

Why would countries like SA and England just host us? They owe us nothing

 

[ak619]

With respect, I don’t think those are the basics.

The basics are don’t host Asian teams on Asian wickets and arrive early for short overseas series!

That's not basics.

It's not basic because no other Asian team will be hosting other Asian teams in overseas conditions.

If you feel PCT requires some special strategy to get over the line then fair enough. But it's in no way "basic".

PS: although I don't see SA/ENG etc allowing Pak to host home matches on their grounds. Financially it makes zero sense.

 

[docteurmanish]

Basics

With respect, I don’t think those are the basics.

The basics are don’t host Asian teams on Asian wickets and arrive early for short overseas series!

To win a test championship u go one series at a time . Do the basics right .

All your tactics sound like manipulating or trying to manipulate the system

 

[Junaids]

Why would countries like SA and England just host us? They owe us nothing

Money.

Hosting series attracts payment from the PCB, and earns ticket, hotel and catering revenue.

Towns like East London or Benoni or Potchefstroom in South Africa have cricket grounds which are otherwise unused.

Pakistan can’t host at home, but should choose carefully where they do host.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

In short,
The only way pakistan can win this test championship is by hiding and slipping out of real challenges and manipulating every series in such a way that they somehow drag themselves to finish line.

 

[hadi123]

Money.

Hosting series attracts payment from the PCB, and earns ticket, hotel and catering revenue.

Towns like East London or Benoni or Potchefstroom in South Africa have cricket grounds which are otherwise unused.

Pakistan can’t host at home, but should choose carefully where they do host.

It wouldn't happen. No countries are going to host Pakistan. You clearly live in unicorn land.

 

[Junaids]

It wouldn't happen. No countries are going to host Pakistan. You clearly live in unicorn land.

The UAE hosts, yet South Africa and New Zealand both are more desperate for the money and are cheaper.

 

[USofA]

Money.

Hosting series attracts payment from the PCB, and earns ticket, hotel and catering revenue.

Towns like East London or Benoni or Potchefstroom in South Africa have cricket grounds which are otherwise unused.

Pakistan can’t host at home, but should choose carefully where they do host.

I find it hard to believe that these venues are going to make money through tickets, hotel and catering, especially hosting a test match. That too between Pak vs. SL, BD.

I don't think so. Not unless they get a piece of TV revenue, then maybe. Otherwise tests are a loss in terms of $$ for these boards. Which is why the test series involving these boards have gone from 3 to 2 to sometimes 1 and even couple just outright cancelled. All due to lack of interest.

 

[CadPakFan]

I feel if Pakistan and India verus in the final of this test championship that might just revive test cricket for a little while.

 

[zarar]

Can't believe Pakistan haven't played a test against India since 2007.

If the first ever test championship final will be between India and Pakistan then best believe it's going to give a lot of people interest in Test cricket!

 

[big_gamer007]

The only places where I enjoy watching test matches is England and SA. I enjoy good quality fast bowling especially in swinging/seaming conditions.

NZ is also good but time zone kills any interest in NZ matches.

I hope PCT hosts their home matches in England or SA, that would be good for cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

Won’t happen. The final would (rightly) be India vs England/Australia/New Zealand.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pakistan are a weak bilateral side in tests and are only just above the Windies. But now that there is a test championship , Pakistan, being the tournament team that they are, might kick well above their weight and should win 2-0 even in Australia. And if there is an India - Pakistan final, this could be a CT repeat!

 

[Junaids]

I find it hard to believe that these venues are going to make money through tickets, hotel and catering, especially hosting a test match. That too between Pak vs. SL, BD.

I don't think so. Not unless they get a piece of TV revenue, then maybe. Otherwise tests are a loss in terms of $$ for these boards. Which is why the test series involving these boards have gone from 3 to 2 to sometimes 1 and even couple just outright cancelled. All due to lack of interest.

You don’t understand!

When Pakistan hosts a home series in a third country, there are no costs whatsoever for that country.

The PCB pays all the flights, hotels and catering and expenses for both teams whether the series is held in Pakistan, the UAE or South Africa. Every single cent.

But let’s say that the series is two Tests, held in the small South African towns of East London and Kimberley.

The grounds in question would otherwise be unused. Hosting Pakistan brings in revenue for the grounds, food and drink vendors, hotels and airlines as well as ground transport companies.

But more than that, Cricket South Africa get to promote and publicise Test cricket in small regional towns where the games would be an event: there would probably be 5000 tickets sold on each weekend day of the two Tests.

There is no risk of financial losses for the third country hosting the games, only benefits. Not huge, but worthwhile in a Third World country like South Africa.

The only failed hosting was when Pakistan hosted Australia in England in 2010. But it only failed because the English Board charged Middlesex and Yorkshire the same hosting fee as if England was playing, which turned a small revenue earner into a failure.

 

[Mueez]

If we had Misbah and Younis we would have a fair chance of winning it.

At best we can get in the finals.

Don’t see Pakistan winning it, unfortunately.

 

[warcry]

regarding hosting asian teams, by all means host them in pakistan.
but prepare green pitches.

seriously if a curator prepares a road, sack him. and ban him from ever preparing a pitch in his life.

especially if as disgusting a pitch as vs india in multan 2004, or vs india 2006 Lahore.
prepare a green pitch, remember karachi 2006 vs india.

One more thing. Use a dukes ball for home games, especially against asian sides.

 

[warcry]

If we had Misbah and Younis we would have a fair chance of winning it.

At best we can get in the finals.

Don’t see Pakistan winning it, unfortunately.

if we do enter the finals,we win, because the final is at lords, and we generally win in london ( unless the opponent is australia)

 

[hadi123]

You don’t understand!

When Pakistan hosts a home series in a third country, there are no costs whatsoever for that country.

The PCB pays all the flights, hotels and catering and expenses for both teams whether the series is held in Pakistan, the UAE or South Africa. Every single cent.

But let’s say that the series is two Tests, held in the small South African towns of East London and Kimberley.

The grounds in question would otherwise be unused. Hosting Pakistan brings in revenue for the grounds, food and drink vendors, hotels and airlines as well as ground transport companies.

But more than that, Cricket South Africa get to promote and publicise Test cricket in small regional towns where the games would be an event: there would probably be 5000 tickets sold on each weekend day of the two Tests.

There is no risk of financial losses for the third country hosting the games, only benefits. Not huge, but worthwhile in a Third World country like South Africa.

The only failed hosting was when Pakistan hosted Australia in England in 2010. But it only failed because the English Board charged Middlesex and Yorkshire the same hosting fee as if England was playing, which turned a small revenue earner into a failure.

SA and NZ is also very from Pakistan. I can't see it happening.

 

[Mueez]

if we do enter the finals,we win, because the final is at lords, and we generally win in london ( unless the opponent is australia)

Hmm interesting.

Let’s see what Pakistan team offers us.

 

[USofA]

You don’t understand!

When Pakistan hosts a home series in a third country, there are no costs whatsoever for that country.

The PCB pays all the flights, hotels and catering and expenses for both teams whether the series is held in Pakistan, the UAE or South Africa. Every single cent.

But let’s say that the series is two Tests, held in the small South African towns of East London and Kimberley.

The grounds in question would otherwise be unused. Hosting Pakistan brings in revenue for the grounds, food and drink vendors, hotels and airlines as well as ground transport companies.

But more than that, Cricket South Africa get to promote and publicise Test cricket in small regional towns where the games would be an event: there would probably be 5000 tickets sold on each weekend day of the two Tests.

There is no risk of financial losses for the third country hosting the games, only benefits. Not huge, but worthwhile in a Third World country like South Africa.

The only failed hosting was when Pakistan hosted Australia in England in 2010. But it only failed because the English Board charged Middlesex and Yorkshire the same hosting fee as if England was playing, which turned a small revenue earner into a failure.

I think you may be overestimating and simplifying things here. If test cricket was this $$$ generating format, why is the PCB (and others like SL,WI, BD) reducing the number of tests or even cancelling tests?

Also, Pak. tests are very sparsely attended majority of the time. Even the vast majority of test loving posters on this forum are unlikely to spend a dime buying tickets to these tests. Also, I don't think you are getting 20,000 spectators over 4 days across 2 tests. They are unlikely to show up for something that does not involve their home team.

Regardless, all of this is hypothetical and will likely remain so, as PCB is unlikely to do what you are saying.

 

[Junaids]

I think you may be overestimating and simplifying things here. If test cricket was this $$$ generating format, why is the PCB (and others like SL,WI, BD) reducing the number of tests or even cancelling tests?

Also, Pak. tests are very sparsely attended majority of the time. Even the vast majority of test loving posters on this forum are unlikely to spend a dime buying tickets to these tests. Also, I don't think you are getting 20,000 spectators over 4 days across 2 tests. They are unlikely to show up for something that does not involve their home team.

Regardless, all of this is hypothetical and will likely remain so, as PCB is unlikely to do what you are saying.

Test cricket costs the host Board money, but that would be the PCB whether the games are in the UAE or South Africa.

But South Africa or the UAE make money by the PCB hosting there. Small amounts, but significant amounts. That’s why they do it.

 

[Bahnz]

I think New Zealand may well surprise you: apart from Williamson the only international class batsman is Ross Taylor, who is into the last few months of his career. I don’t see NZ scoring enough runs.

Henry Nicholls averages 45 and has scored tons against England and South Africa at home and Pakistan away. He's not quite in KW or Taylor's class, but as he showed in the WC final, he belongs on the international
stage. Latham also a very versatile batsman, with a good technique against spin. Oh and then there's Watling, who people always seem to forget is one of the better keeper batsmen in the world.

Wouldn't be at all surprised to Taylor stay with the team until 2021 if NZ are a chance of making it to the test championship final. He's previously stated that he'll consider playing on till the 2023 World Cup.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I think you may be overestimating and simplifying things here. If test cricket was this $$$ generating format, why is the PCB (and others like SL,WI, BD) reducing the number of tests or even cancelling tests?

Also, Pak. tests are very sparsely attended majority of the time. Even the vast majority of test loving posters on this forum are unlikely to spend a dime buying tickets to these tests. Also, I don't think you are getting 20,000 spectators over 4 days across 2 tests. They are unlikely to show up for something that does not involve their home team.

Regardless, all of this is hypothetical and will likely remain so, as PCB is unlikely to do what you are saying.

He doesnot understand that,to generate revenue you need attendance.

 

[Junaids]

He doesnot understand that,to generate revenue you need attendance.

That depends upon how it is done, to be honest.

If I were Cricket South Africa, I would charge the PCB a Facility Fee of $5000 per day for two Tests - a total of $50,000.

The host cricket ground would keep any gate revenue, as well as getting 50% of the Facility Fee.

The PCB would be responsible for all airline, hotel, coach, security and catering costs etc. And for arranging a broadcaster, but they would keep the proceeds of the TV rights.

So for the hosting country there is no potential cost.

 

[indianpanacea]

Arranging matches between players is good concept and should be arranged every year..i would rather propose a quadriangular series where each play against each other as
Pak U19 vs U23...4 match series
Best among them combined shall play pakistani probables.....3 match series
Best among them should play pakistani seniors....2 match series
Pakistani probables should be the best 15 who perform in domestics except those who are guaranteed in pak seniors

 

[indianpanacea]

Pak probables may include
Imam
Ahmad shahzad
Umar amin
Umar akmal
Usman sallahuddin
Said
Wicketkeeper
Musa
Husnain
Naseem shah
Umar khan etc.

 

[big_gamer007]

That depends upon how it is done, to be honest.

If I were Cricket South Africa, I would charge the PCB a Facility Fee of $5000 per day for two Tests - a total of $50,000.

The host cricket ground would keep any gate revenue, as well as getting 50% of the Facility Fee.

The PCB would be responsible for all airline, hotel, coach, security and catering costs etc. And for arranging a broadcaster, but they would keep the proceeds of the TV rights.

So for the hosting country there is no potential cost.

PCB is already going through financial struggles, why would they risk losing more money while hosting series in SA (where Pak population is less compared to UAE).

You are talking about it from CSA POV, yes it might be small profit for them however it's not viable for PCB.

Only place where Pakistan will get good support is England. Pakistani population in England is huge and they do support the team. But everything will have to be paid in pound by PCB which might be even costlier for them.

Having said that if Pakistan do play n England it will be the best spectacle for fans. Test cricket in England is the best by far.

 

[Junaids]

PCB is already going through financial struggles, why would they risk losing more money while hosting series in SA (where Pak population is less compared to UAE).

You are talking about it from CSA POV, yes it might be small profit for them however it's not viable for PCB.

Only place where Pakistan will get good support is England. Pakistani population in England is huge and they do support the team. But everything will have to be paid in pound by PCB which might be even costlier for them.

Having said that if Pakistan do play n England it will be the best spectacle for fans. Test cricket in England is the best by far.

In the UAE the grounds are empty for Tests. But 40 hotel rooms per night at $300 each cost $12,000 per day.

In East London or Kimberley in South Africa the most expensive hotel rooms cost $100 per night - a saving of $8,000 per day over the UAE, with further savings on food and transport. Over two Tests the saving on hotel costs alone is $80,000 by hosting in SA and not the UAE.

Economically it’s a no brainer - South Africa is a far less costly place to host.

 

[Junaids]

PCB is already going through financial struggles, why would they risk losing more money while hosting series in SA (where Pak population is less compared to UAE).

You are talking about it from CSA POV, yes it might be small profit for them however it's not viable for PCB.

Only place where Pakistan will get good support is England. Pakistani population in England is huge and they do support the team. But everything will have to be paid in pound by PCB which might be even costlier for them.

Having said that if Pakistan do play n England it will be the best spectacle for fans. Test cricket in England is the best by far.

England is not an option due to a combination of a short season and Ijaz Butt - otherwise I would agree.

 

[big_gamer007]

In the UAE the grounds are empty for Tests. But 40 hotel rooms per night at $300 each cost $12,000 per day.

In East London or Kimberley in South Africa the most expensive hotel rooms cost $100 per night - a saving of $8,000 per day over the UAE, with further savings on food and transport. Over two Tests the saving on hotel costs alone is $80,000 by hosting in SA and not the UAE.

Economically it’s a no brainer - South Africa is a far less costly place to host.

Interesting then why haven't PCB decided to host in SA? I think the time zone also overlaps with sub continent time zone and after england SA is second best country to host test matches in.

What is stopping PCB to approach CSA and form a partnership? Playing in UAE has set back pakistan cricket by at least 10 years. Rather than growing they are regressing with every passing year.

 

[big_gamer007]

England is not an option due to a combination of a short season and Ijaz Butt - otherwise I would agree.

What about Ijaz Butt? He is same guy who called English players fixers? Is he still involved in PCB set up?