The West Indies have thrown Pakistan a lifeline, offering to play two Tests against the cricket starved team at a neutral venue next month, Pakistan's top cricket official said Thursday.Pakistan have not played a single Test this year after Australia postponed their full tour in March over security fears in the wake of deadly suicide bombings and other unrest blamed on Islamic militants.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said the two Tests to be played in Abu Dhabi would be in addition to the three one-day internationals which the two countries have already agreed from November 10-14.
"The West Indies have offered to play two Tests and we hope the proposal materialises and we find some sponsor for the Test matches," Butt, who took over as chairman earlier this month,
"It will give our players an ideal opportunity to play some international cricket after a long layoff," said Butt.
Pakistan's last Test was against India in December last year, and if the West Indies' offer falls through, Pakistan's next Test outing will also be against India in January next year.
Pakistan cricket has been badly hit by security fears, with other foreign teams refusing to tour the troubled country in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on US soil and the subsequent US-led invasion in neighbouring Afghanistan.
An eight-nation Champions Trophy was postponed after South Africa pulled out of the event which had been due to take place in September this year.
The International Cricket Council last week rescheduled the Trophy for September-October next year, but would closely assess security during Pakistan's home series against India early next year.
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