UAE to play Australia in T20 on October 22
Chief selector Bukhatir feels the match will be a good opportunity
Abu Dhabi: The UAE will play Australia in an international T20 match at Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium (Oval 1) on October 22.
Zayed Abbas, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson, yesterday said: “We are delighted to be in a position to announce this fixture and we are extremely grateful to the ICC for their support in accrediting the Abu Dhabi Oval for T20 international cricket at such short notice. Our thanks also goes out to Cricket Australia for approaching this opportunity so positively, and especially to the Pakistan Cricket Board for permitting this match during their home tour in the UAE with Australia. It has been an incredible effort from all parties to bring this match to fruition.”
The match will be a daytime fixture, starting at 2pm, with free entry to fans.
Waleed Bukhatir, ECB Chief Selector, was of the view that the match will provide an exceptionally good test for the UAE players.
“We need them [UAE] to be put under pressure and challenged by higher-ranked teams. To do so it is important for the full-member countries and the ICC to support and provide the Associates with such opportunities. We are extremely thankful to the ICC, Cricket Australia and Pakistan Cricket Board for supporting this match,” Bukhatir said.