Pakistan ponder Abu Dhabi plan

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt has confirmed he has received an offer from the West Indies Cricket Board to play two Tests in Abu Dhabi.

The PCB, under previous chairman Nasim Ashraf, had pursued a proposal to stage two Tests following a three-match one-day series in November at the neutral venue.

Ashraf had at first hoped West Indies would play in Pakistan and would help fill a void in the calendar caused by the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Several top West Indies players, however, voiced security fears and plans were then mooted to hold the Tests in Abu Dhabi following the one-day matches.

Earlier this week, Butt had said he was unaware of any communication between the PCB and the WICB, but on Thursday he confirmed news of the plan.

"We are seriously considering the proposal," Butt said. "The offer is a boost for Pakistan cricket and if these Tests go ahead our players will finally get some much needed exposure."

Pakistan have not played a Test series in 2008 and Australia postponed a scheduled tour in April this year due to security concerns.

The one-day matches are scheduled to be held on November 12, 14 and 16.