Tests in Abu Dhabi?

West Indies have offered to play Pakistan in two Tests in Abu Dhabi next month, said a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). « We hope the proposal materialises and we find some sponsor for the Test matches, » said PCB’s newly appointed Chairman Ijaz Butt. « It will give our players an ideal opportunity to play some international cricket after a long layoff. » Pakistan have not played a Test since December last year, when they drew against India at Bangalore. Australia, who have not toured Pakistan for 11 years, postponed their scheduled tour to Pakistan earlier this year due to security fears. « We have to pay the WICB [for the Test matches] according to the ICC regulations and for that we are looking for sponsors, » said Butt. « Time is very short, but I am hopeful something positive will come out. » Pakistan are scheduled to play three ODIs against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi next month. « If everything goes well, the Test matches will be played shortly after the ODIs in Abu Dhabi, » Butt said. Should the Tests against the West Indies go ahead, it will not be the first time that Pakistan have ‘hosted’ matches at a neutral venue. After September 11, 2001, Pakistan played tests against the West Indies and Australia at Sharjah and Sri Lanka respectively. By AP