Pakistan shifts South African series opener to Lahore

Karachi, Aug 11: The Pakistan Cricket Board has switched the venue for the opening test in the three-match series against South Africa in October from Rawalpindi to Lahore, in a revised schedule released today.
A three-day warm up match before the test has also been shifted to Lahore in order to allow renovation work at Rawalpindi.
Pakistan hosts Bangladesh, South Africa and New Zealand in a hectic home season from August-November this year.
Bangladesh plays the first of three tests in Karachi from August 20 followed by five one-day games.
"Bangladesh's first one-day is also shifted from Rawalpindi to Multan and now Rawalpindi will host the fourth one-day," he said.

South Africa will play three tests and as many one-day games between September 22 to October 27 while New Zealand will feature in five one-day games in November for which the final itinerary has not yet been approved.

Pakistan suffered a cricket drought due to security fears sparked in the wake of terrorists' attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 and ensuing war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

West Indies and Australia refused to tour Pakistan citing security fears last year which forced Pakistan to play its home series at neutral venues.
Bureau Report