Pakistan to play 'home' series against South Africa and Sri Lanka in UAE

Pakistan will play back to back 'home' series against South Africa and Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates starting in October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said the team would play three Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches against the Lankans in December and January.

They will play two Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 matches against South Africa in October-November.

Pakistan will also play an official T20 match against Afghanistan on December 8.

The PCB has been forced to organize its home series - mainly in the UAE - because of security concerns among foreign teams about traveling to Pakistan.

Sri Lanka was the last Test-playing country to tour Pakistan in 2009 when its bus transport to a ground was attacked by gunmen, leaving six police officials and a van driver dead.

Two years ago in the UAE, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 in the Tests and also won the ODI series 4-1.

This year the tour begins with Dubai hosting back to back Twenty20s on Dec. 11 and Dec. 13.

Schedule for Pakistan-Sri Lanka series:

Dec. 11: First Twenty20 at Dubai

Dec. 13: Second Twenty20 at Dubai

Dec. 18: First one-day international at Sharjah

Dec. 20: Second one-day international at Dubai

Dec. 22: Third one-day international at Sharjah

Dec. 25: Fourth one-day international at Abu Dhabi

Dec. 27: Fifth one-day international at Abu Dhabi

Dec. 31-Jan. 4: First Test at Dubai

Jan. 8-12: Second Test at Abu Dhabi

Jan. 16-20: Third Test at Sharjah.