Pakistan hope to finalise NZ tour venue next week

Pakistan are yet to finalise a venue for their 'home' one-day series against New Zealand, planned for November. Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, will meet officials in the UAE on Monday to explore the possibilities of hosting the series in Dubai or another neutral venue.

"I will meet a [4-5] member UAE team in Dubai on September 7 to take a decision on this matter," Butt told APP.

Pakistan had earlier decided to split the Tests and ODIs, with a plan to play the Tests in New Zealand, who would be the 'away' team. Pakistan are likely to finish their commitments with New Zealand before heading off to Australia for a Test and ODI series in December-January.

Butt had earlier discussed the issue with the UAE's Sheikh Mubarak during his recent visit to Dubai but felt the asking rate - reportedly in excess of $3 million - was too high. Pakistan hosted Australia in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for five ODIs and a Twenty20 in April.

"I told him the rates for holding the ODI matches against Australia in Abu Dhabi in April this year were reasonable," Butt said. "Naturally, we don't want to incur a loss and I informed him to give us rates like that of Abu Dhabi."

Tours to Pakistan have been put on hold for an indefinite period following the attacks on the Sri Lankan players in Lahore this March. As a result, Pakistan have already lost their share of the 2011 World Cup matches.