Islamabad, June 20: Australian cricketers may refuse to play three ODIs against Pakistan in August due to the extreme heat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and might instead insist on playing six Twenty20s if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to host the home series in the UAE.
"At this stage the venue for the series between Pakistan and Australia hasn''t been confirmed nor the schedule. We do, however, understand that the preference of both the PCB and the Cricket Australia is to play a six-match T20 series in the UAE," the Daily Times quoted Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) chief Paul Marsh, as saying.
"The ACA has genuine concerns about the temperatures in the UAE at the proposed time of this series," he added.
"Our concerns will be reduced if the PCB-CA proposal to play six T20 matches and no ODIs is agreed. Playing ODIs in the expected heat is potentially dangerous to the health and safety of players of both teams. T20 matches are obviously shorter in length, can start later at night and therefore the risks to players are lessened," he said.
"We will assess the proposed schedule once it is agreed between the PCB and the CA and consider our position from there," Marsh further added.
Former Pakistan Test captain Asif Iqbal, expressing similar views, said: "I am amazed to find that the PCB is planning to hold this series in UAE as the heat in the UAE will be unbearable for players. It will be totally unfair to subject players, officials and spectators to near 50 degrees temperatures."
Commenting on the fact that the ICC only permits three Twenty20s in a bilateral series, Marsh said: "We understand why the policy is in place but would hope given the weather circumstances, and the ongoing difficulties Pakistan cricket has in scheduling home series of matches, that the ICC can provide the necessary flexibility to allow a six T20s to proceed."
© ANI
