ECB denies snubbing Sharjah due to previous match fixing links

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has denied reports that the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium had been ignored as a venue for the series against Pakistan due to its previous alleged match fixing links.

"No, that is not correct. The tour itinerary to UAE was agreed and publicised prior to the renovation work being completed at Sharjah cricket ground," a ECB spokesman told PakPassion.net.

"ECB's view was that it would not have been fair to supporters to change pre-publicised venues at this late stage when many would have already made travel arrangements and booked accommodation," he added.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman, however, claimed that their board was keen to ensure that Sharjah was the host for at least a couple of matches.

"But the England and Wales Cricket Board were not keen on playing in Sharjah," the spokesman said.

"The Sharjah Cricket Stadium had done very good recently in hosting the Sri Lankans for a Test match and a ODI and we felt that it was worthy of hosting some cricket for the series against England," he added.

The upcoming series sees Abu Dhabi hosting four matches, whilst Dubai hosts the remaining six.

The action gets underway on January 17 with the final match being a Twenty20 International in Abu Dhabi on February 27.