KARACHI — Pakistan will host Australia in a month-long series that will be contested in the United Arab Emirates from Oct. 3, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Friday. Australia will play two Tests, three one-dayers and one Twenty20 match during the tour. Since 2009, Pakistan has had to play all its home series at neutral venues abroad due to security concerns. “Pakistan will be hosting home series against Australia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe in the UAE from Oct to Jan,” a PCB official said. Itinerary: Oct. 3: T20 in Dubai; Oct. 5: 1st ODI in Abu Dhabi; Oct. 8: 2nd ODI in Sharjah; Oct. 10: 3rd ODI in Dubai; Oct. 20-24: 1st test in Dubai; Oct. 28 to Nov 1: 2nd test in Abu Dhabi. Akmal cleared Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal was Friday cleared in a traffic violation case after the police officer forgave him, saying he was a “national hero.” The 23-year-old was arrested by Lahore police on Feb. 1 for violating traffic rules and scuffling with policeman Mohammad Zeeshan. He was released on bail after being detained for hours and a local court last month issued a warrant against him, ordering him to appear on March 11. Akmal had denied the charges and accused the police of one-sided action. A court official said magistrate Imtiaz Ahmed dismissed the case after Zeeshan forgave the cricketer. “I have forgiven Akmal because he is a national hero,” Zeeshan told reporters outside the court. “Akmal's father apologized to me out of the court and after his assurances I asked the court to end the case,” he said. “But if Akmal ever violates traffic rules again, I will perform my duties.” Wicketkeeper-batsman Akmal rescued his team with a fighting hundred against minnow Afghanistan in the Asia Cup last month, just days before the court ordered him to appear. — Agencies
