DUBAI // A senior Dubai Sports City (DSC) official is confident the ground will be ready for its maiden Test match, despite the busy schedule of corporate matches being played there ahead of the match-up in the autumn. Pakistan face South Africa in five one-day internationals and two Test matches in the UAE, with proceedings starting at the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 27. The final of the Dubai Super Sixes corporate tournament will take place on the main square at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 15.
This is an event that will see teams compete with each one having a former star from the world of cricket in their ranks, including the likes of Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan bowler. However, Maqbul Dudhia, the general manager (sports business) of DSC, is confident there will be plenty of time to ready the pitch after the tournament has been completed for the inaugural Test at the venue, which starts on November 12.
"For me to get this tournament past my curator [Tony Hemming] was a challenge," Dudhia said. "He is extremely passionate about his piece of turf, but you can rest assured we have gone through the process of being able to host this event and still have enough lead up to welcome Pakistan and South Africa. "Our stadium is there to be used, and we are looking forward to people being able to use a full international stadium."
pradley@thenational.ae